Darnell Bing attended Poly High in Long Beach, California, where he was teammates with current Trojans Winston Justice and Hershel Dennis. Darnell was a three-year starter on a Poly team that won three consecutive CIF division I titles, with a record of 39-1-1. As a sophomore, Darnell totaled 85 tackles and 10 pass breakups. The following year he finished with 62 tackles and 2 interceptions, despite being hampered by injuries. He also scored three defensive touchdowns as a junior. As a senior in 2001, Darnell had his best season. He totaled 85 tackles, 5 interceptions and 1 sack. He also ran for 256 yards on offense, scoring 5 times in his 20 attempts. He was named first team all CIF division I, all-state, and all-American for his performance as a senior. Darnell was also a member of the Poly track team where he competed as a sprinter, long jumper, and triple jumper. Darnell accepted a scholarship to USC but was forced to attend Long Beach City College in 2002 because his grades weren’t good enough to get into USC. Darnell transferred to USC in the spring of 2003. He received permission from USC’s first Heisman Trophy winner, Mike Garrett (running back 1965), who is currently USC’s Athletic Director, to wear his #20 which was previously retired. Darnell earned the starting strong safety position as a freshman, a position he would hold onto for the next three years. As a freshman Bing racked up 69 tackles, 5 pass breakups and 2 interceptions. He was named freshman all-American, honorable mention all-pac ten, and pac ten defensive freshman of the year. As a sophomore Bing finished with 63 tackles, 7 pass breakups and 2 interceptions, despite missing three starts with a sprained shoulder. He was named second team all-pac ten for his performance that year. Darnell missed spring practices in 2005 while recovering from surgery to repair a dislocated shoulder. He finished his junior season with 50 tackles, 6 pass breakups, and a career high 4 interceptions. Even though he has one year of eligibility left, Darnell Bing applied for early entry into the 2006 NFL draft.

Darnell Bing possesses an excellent combination of size, strength, and athleticism for a safety. He has a great deal of experience having started at strong safety the past three seasons for the two-time National Champion USC Trojans. Bing is a player who brings a linebacker’s mentality to the safety position. He’s an extremely hard hitter who punishes receivers who dare to go over the middle against him. He has good overall speed and excellent closing speed. He is a very good run defender who sheds blocks well and takes good angles to the ball carrier. He has excellent instincts and always seems to put himself in position to make a big play. He is decent in coverage although he will struggle in man coverage at times. Darnell is a hard worker and a tough player who will play through minor injuries. Durability is going to be the biggest question when it comes to Bing. He really throws his body around out there which has led to quite a few injuries over the past three years. Darnell is an extremely talented player who has a chance to be the top safety selected and a first round pick in the 2006 NFL draft.