What to watch for in the Class of 2018
As we finish up the class of 2017, a look ahead to the class of 2018 for the Trojans shows a need at the linebacker spot that matches up with one of the best linebacker classes we’ve seen on the west coast in many years. There are four linebackers from the west coast (3 from California – including USC verbal Raymond Scott, and a 4th from Nevada) who are ranked among the top 5 linebackers in the nation. And a fifth linebacker, USC commit Bo Calvert, is a versatile talent who sits among the top 15. Needless to say that USC defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast, who also coaches the linebackers, will make sure he loads up at this position in the coming class.
* Palaie Gaoteote
6-2, 220 (Bishop Gorman HS)
Composite ranking: 5 stars
Position ranking: #1 OLB (247, ESPN)
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* Solomon Tuliaupupu (photo above)
6-3, 230 (Mater Dei HS)
Composite ranking: 4 stars
Position ranking: #3 OLB (247), #7 ILB (ESPN)
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* Raymond Scott
6-2, 220 (Narbonne HS)
Composite ranking: 4 stars
Position ranking: #4 OLB (247, ESPN)
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* Merlin Robertson
6-2, 235 (Serra HS)
Composite ranking: 4 stars
Position ranking: #5 OLB (247), #6 OLB (ESPN)
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* Bo Calvert
6-5, 215 (Oaks Christian HS)
Composite ranking: 4 stars
Position ranking: #15 OLB (247), #11 OLB (ESPN)
USC commits for Class of 2018
* QB Matt Corral
6-2, 185 (Oaks Christian HS)
Composite ranking: 5 stars
Position ranking: #2 pro-style (247), #3 pocket passer (ESPN)
* WR Manuel Allen
6-2, 170 (Centennial HS)
Composite ranking: 4 stars
Position ranking: #17 wide receiver (247), #19 wide receiver (ESPN)
* LB Raymond Scott
* LB Bo Calvert
* CB Marcus Johnson
5-10, 175 (Hawkins HS)
Composite ranking: 4 stars
Position ranking: #20 cornerback (247), #15 cornerback (ESPN)
5 names to watch
Here are a few of the top prospects on the USC wish list, names that are already familiar to many recruiting fans
* Jalen Hall – the top-ranked WR in the nation at 6-3 and he is in the Trojans backyard at Hawkins.
* Olaijah Griffin – good height, aggressive and athletic at the corner spot
* T.J. Pledger – runs hard, and will be playing in Florida for IMG Academy next year (with multiple other USC targets)
* Camren McDonald – a top 5 tight end with good pass catching skills
* Aashari Crosswell – another Hawkins product and a top-5 ranked safety
Class of 2018 USC offer lists
