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USC Gets Verbal from Top Recruit Out of Virginia

Braden Keith
by Braden Keith 9

September 28th, 2012 College, News

USC got a big committment this week out of NOVA’s Blair Carnes, who collegeswimming.com rates as their top recruit out of the state of Virginia.

Carnes is a 1:02/2:10 breaststroker and a 2:04/4:20 IMer who comes out of a club program known for producing strong 200 and above swimmers. That makes a 200 IM/400IM/200 breast lineup a likely bet for championship meets. She joins a strong group of Trojan breaststrokers and will be a key replacement for Jessie Schmitt who graduates this year.

The Trojans will return Kasey Carlson next season as a senior, but will badly need the depth that Carnes will bring the following season. Carnes’ abilities in the 200, which is Carlson’s weaker distance (she usually swims the sprint freestyles instead), will also be very helpful to rounding out a complete team.

Carlson was the 2nd-fastest 100 breaststroker in the country last year, but unfortunately it didn’t happen at NCAA’s and she wound up 10th at the big meet. Aside from her, though, the Trojans will see a total turnover of their breaststroke group as they hand the reins to Carnes and 2012-2013 freshman Brianna Weinstein, as well as Olympic Trials finalist and transfer Andrea Kropp who will begin competing for the Trojans this season.

As recruiting season gets underway, we’re bound to start seeing more frequent commits. Getting early commits is always helpful for schools and coaches because then they know where they stand going into the rest of recruiting season.

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Jerry Shandrew
12 years ago

That’s a great addition to SC’s lineup, but I’d say a certain Olympic Trials Finalist, Andrea Kropp, is a even ‘Bigger Addition’ this upcoming season to hold the REINS for the next 3 years.

statement
Reply to  Jerry Shandrew
12 years ago

it says on andrea’s twitter that she’s the class of ’15 so she only has 2 years left once blair gets there next year

Nancy Drew
12 years ago

Congratulations Blair! USC is a great home for breaststrokers! She will be a great addition to their team.

PositiveEnergy
12 years ago

Congratulations to you on USC verbal, Blair! Wishing you much success as part of the Trojan Family! Fight on!

Old Time Coach
12 years ago

Emily Cameron – Georgia.

Sam I Am
Reply to  Old Time Coach
12 years ago

(Pss, swimswam already had an article on it yesterday)

completelyconquered
Reply to  Old Time Coach
12 years ago

Old time coach with old time news.

Old Time Coach
Reply to  Braden Keith
12 years ago

haha! This Old Dawg got caught up and didn’t see it at all! Egg on my face!

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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