Recruiting Reset
Here's a quick overview of where things stand for this class. 14 scholarships spoken for, 5 blueshirts, which means 6 available rides heading into signing day.
QB
Verbal: 1
Ideal number: 1
Trojans are set with Matt Fink, already enrolled for spring semester.
RB
Verbal: 0
Ideal number: 0-1
I still would have like a running back in this class but at this point it doesn't look like it will happen. It's not a huge deal to go without, especially with some good ones on the horizon in Class of 2017 (USC already has one verbal in Stephen Carr, who I would take over most backs in this class).
WR
Verbal: 5
Ideal number: 5
There are three "big" receivers (Vaughns, Pittman, Imatorbhebhe) and two "slot" guys (Sidney, Jones) so it would appear the Trojans are done, but there is still a potential trip for Keyshawn Young later this month.
TE
Verbal: 1
Ideal number: 2
Cary Angeline is confirmed as one of the tight end spots, and Devin Asiasi is the major remaining target. Asiasi will trip on the 30th, along with defensive tackle Boss Tagaloa. Another option who could visit is Nick Eubanks.
OL
Verbal: 2
Ideal number: 2-3
Nathan Smith is already enrolled and Frank Martin is set as the other commit. The only other option at this point is E.J. Price, a top 100 national tackle who took a visit to SC but is considered likely to stay in state at Georgia.
DL
Verbal: 3
Ideal number: 4-6
There is work to be done at this spot. Oluwole Betiku and Liam Jimmons are enrolled for spring, and Keyshon Camp is another commit. It would be ideal to add at least one more inside guy and one more end/olb, with an impressive list of targets including Rashan Gary, Tagaloa, Connor Murphy, Maxs Tupai and JC recruit Jonathan Kongbo. USC will also trip some linemen committed to other schools; Leki Fatu and Semisi Lauaki are Utah verbals and Jachai Polite is a commit to Florida. Evan Vinson is another potential visitor.
LB
Verbal: 1
Ideal number: 2
Jordan Iosefa is a solid commit but the position lacks a Mique Juarez or Daelin Hayes (two elite linebackers who were once verbals to the Trojans) and it doesn't appear right now as if that's going to change.
DB
Verbal: 1
Ideal number: 4
This is my biggest concern heading into the final stretch. C.J. Pollard (photo above) is solid as an early enrollee safety but there is a need for another body at the spot, a Lamar Jackson, Brandon Burton or a JC guy like Kyzir White. As for corner, Jackie Jones is simply a priority, you can't overstate it, and then you need one more beyond that.
Kicker
Verbal: 0
Ideal number: 0-1
There is already a kicker on scholarship in junior Matt Boermeester so the only reason to bring one in this class is if John Baxter thinks he needs one. And the answer probably came when Baxter offered Penn State commit Quinn Nordin.
