Chris Claiborne saw Su'a Cravens' potential. Cravens knew Claiborne's resume.
When Cravens joined Claiborne's passing-league team before his senior year in high school, he was a two-way star and top college prospect.
Claiborne, a first-round NFL draft pick who played eight pro seasons, is the only USC player to win the Butkus Award, presented annually to college football's top linebacker.
Four years later, Cravens, 20, is USC's strongside linebacker and one of 10 semifinalists for the Butkus Award.
"I wouldn't even think I would be in this position," Cravens said.
Or, for that matter, playing the linebacker position.