Why didn't local defensive back Julius Irvin commit to USC? He has his reasons, of course. But the Trojans have theirs, too, and they shed light on what's to come in the next week.
We've been reporting for months that space is at a premium in the 2018 class. It's become apparent that this predicament has largely dictated USC's recruiting approach for the past two months.
The Trojans fulfilled most of their pressing roster needs during the early signing period. They would have had JT Daniels and Amon-Ra St. Brown sign sooner, only both of them wished to announce their intentions at the Army Bowl. (Daniels was thwarted when word got out that he was reclassifying.) Trevor Trout, meanwhile, wanted to wait out potential coaching changes. Conversely, two individuals who were ready to sign in December but were told to wait were Irvin and Tuli Letuligasenoa. That comes back to a lack of scholarships.
The Trojans would like to add another safety and third D-lineman, but neither is nearly as big of a priority as, say, a second cornerback.
If USC had room to sign 25 players, Irvin and Letuligasenoa would already be in its class. Instead, the Trojans have had to be careful with how they communicate to targets who are wanted but not positioned at the top of their board.
Given the 10 who already signed, the remaining needs are at quarterback, wide receiver, defensive lineman and cornerback. The first three will be satisfied by Daniels, St. Brown and, barring any last-minute changes, Trout. Olaijah Griffin is the first option at cornerback and we're predicting he signs with the Trojans. That would put USC at 14 members, which is the same number of spots available before factoring in transfers. At least two players have communicated their plans to transfer, but with no guarantees beyond that, the staff hasn't had an exact number to work with throughout the most critical recruiting period.
In our perfect class breakdown, we listed a third offensive lineman, fifth linebacker, second safety, second tailback and second wide receiver as the remaining needs. We were informed last week that adding a third cornerback is also a priority. Here's where USC stands on those fronts:
- OL: USC is a finalist for Penei Sewell, along with Utah, Oregon and Alabama. He's a big priority for the staff, but if the Trojans can't close here, it opens the door for someone listed below.
- LB: Solomon Tuliaupupu is expected to sign with USC. Eli'jah Winston is a possibility, if there's room.
- S: USC is a finalist for Devon Williams, though he's wavered between the Trojans and Oregon and is thought to be leaning toward the Ducks again. Williams could also serve as a second wide receiver, perhaps vaulting him on USC's overall board.
- TB: The staff appears to have completely moved on from this position.
- WR: Williams would be the guy.
- CB: With Griffin expected to sign, Isaac Taylor-Stuart becomes somewhat of a luxury. He's also a hard read. USC wants him but might not have space, depending on what happens with the players above.
Clay Helton has said, after each of his two signing days as the head coach, he basically knew going in who would end up at USC. On the eve of his third class, it appears like that won't be the case. And it's essentially a matter of space.
