Alex Brandon / AP

Running back Joe McKnight of River Ridge, La., considered the No. 2 recruit in the nation, signed a letter of intent Wednesday to attend Southern California.

Clausen made a high-profile commitment to the Irish last April, arriving at his news conference in a limo and predicting four national titles for Notre Dame.

“He’s a fierce competitor that wants to come in and compete for playing time,” coach Charlie Weis said.

Notre Dame’s overall ranking was hurt by some late defections. Athlete Greg Little switched at the last minute to North Carolina and offensive lineman Chris Little decommitted and signed with Georgia. The Irish earlier lost a commitment from defensive end Justin Trattou from New Jersey, who signed with Florida.

The biggest surprise was at South Carolina, where Steve Spurrier brought in a top-10 class to a school that normally struggles to attract blue chip players. Receiver Chris Culliver of North Carolina headlines a class that also includes quarterback Stephen Garcia of Tampa, Fla.

“It is sort of neat to see our name in there with Texas, Southern Cal, Florida and Notre Dame,” Spurrier said.

North Carolina, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, Oregon and Illinois also did surprisingly well.

New Tar Heels coach Butch Davis got a commitment Wednesday from CSTV defensive player of the year Marvin Austin, a defensive lineman from Washington, D.C.

Illinois coach Ron Zook, who recruited many of the players that led Florida to the national title, signed one of the nation’s best receivers, Arrelious Benn out of Washington, D.C., and beat out Notre Dame for one of the top defensive linemen, Martez Wilson of Chicago.

He put together a class that rivals Ohio State and Michigan for the best in the Big Ten, despite winning only two conference games the past two seasons.

“It’s stunning that they won those kinds of recruiting battles,” Wallace said.

More news

Chris Graythen / Getty Images

Johnson still directing Utes offense

Brian Johnson, who led Utah to an upset of Alabama in the 2009 Sugar Bowl, is ready for his first season as the Utes' offensive coordinator. At 25, the ex-QB will be the youngest with that job at the FBS level.

CFT: Miami says it's 'committed to the ACC'

Headlines

• Label

3 arrested Arkansas players no longer part of team

Tennessee suspends TE after arrest

CFT: Texas AD says Big 12 doesn't need to expand

CFT: Alabama-Michigan set for prime-time

CFT: Bolden reportedly won't leave Penn St.

CFT: Paterno’s state pension totals $13.4 million

PHT: Ex-Clemson RB Bellamy going to Miss. JC

CFT: Stewart, 59, dies of apparent heart attack