Here’s some analysis I did on this year’s recruiting class:
Top needs
Although it is rarely mentioned, USC filled three holes when it signed a kicker (Andre Heidari), punter (Kris Albarado) and long-snapper (Peter McBride). The Trojans need all three next season. The other pressing spots were offensive line and linebacker. USC signed four high school and two junior-college linemen. It also signed four prep linebackers.
Maybe later
The two quarterbacks (Cody Kessler, Max Wittek) do not figure into next season’s plans but should contend for the starting job if Matt Barkley turns pro after the season. Some of the highly regarded defensive linemen will likely redshirt because there is some depth there. Wide receiver Victor Blackwell could also redshirt.
Notable
None of the recruiting experts said linebacker Lamar Dawson would select USC. He was named Mr. Football in Kentucky. Linebacker Anthony Sarao and tailback Amir Carlisle decommitted from Stanford and are honor students. Junior-college cornerback Isiah Wiley tried to enroll in January but did not academically qualify so he will enroll this summer. Tailback Javorious Allen played linebacker in high school but will fill the “big back” role for the Trojans.
What’s missing?
More offensive linemen are needed as the Trojans enter spring drills with only eight healthy linemen. Coach Lane Kiffin would also like more linebackers to address depth issues. The defection of De’Anthony Thomas robs the class of a shutdown cornerback and leaves a hole in the secondary for next season.
