To be a great quarterback, you've got to be aware of your surroundings.

For 2013 USC commit Max Browne, that not only means seeing the field and everything happening on it, but taking stock of the bigger picture off of it as well.

So while the lanky signal caller from Skyline High in Sammamish, Wash., has been busy racking up accolades on the summer camp circuit--most recently at the 2012 Elite 11 in Redondo Beach--he seems more excited to be a key part of USC's remarkable 2013 recruiting class.

"It's 16 strong, so there's two more spots left," said Browne, who committed to the Trojans in early April. "It's been really exciting to follow it. That's one of the reasons why I committed early, to help lead that class and put my mark on it.

"It's a great class and it's amazing to think only a couple years ago people were saying USC is done and now we're atop the recruiting rankings."

Browne is a big reason for that lofty ranking. He's a classic pocket passer with prototypical size (6-5, 220) who threw for 4,034 yards and 45 touchdowns as a junior and 4,182 yards and 50 touchdowns as a sophomore. Despite not being a USC fan growing up, he felt the lure of Los Angeles and decided it was a no-brainer to commit to the Trojans once Lane Kiffin came calling.

"Being a West Coast kid growing up, you always follow USC, because they're the most renowned school on the West Coast," said Browne, "What tipped the scale was the combination of the top notch football with the top notch degree and the alumni base. That sort of sent them over the top compared to the other schools."

One reason for Browne's gaudy high school numbers is the Skyline offensive system, which keeps his talented arm in constant motion. But he's well aware that things will change when he takes the next step up in class.

"At my school we run a shotgun spread and USC runs a pro style system," said Browne. "It'll be a little different but it's something I wanted because my goal one day is to hopefully play in the NFL. No school prepares you better than USC and a big reason for that is its offense."

No matter the system, talent is talent and the Elite 11 gave Browne a chance to showcase his skills just a few miles from where he'll be spending his college career. Scores of fans in USC gear turned out to watch him dissect defenses with his pinpoint throws and he seemed to thrive on the competition that was on hand, all while keeping an eyes on the future, of course.

"This is a camp I've been setting my sights on ever since middle school," said Browne. "It's crazy to think these guys will be the faces of the college football world in about three or four years. It's been great to compete with them and get to know them."

If Browne's plans go accordingly, we'll be getting to know him soon, too.