Lincoln Riley’s first USC signing day – here’s what to expect
The Trojans could be in for a quiet or wild week of recruiting news as their new coach has plenty of work to do
Adam Grosbard (OC Register) — As the calendar turns to the early signing period on Wednesday, USC football will be a wild card to watch.
As of Tuesday afternoon, new head coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans had only four high school prospects committed and one transfer in their 2022 class. The group is ranked last in the Pac-12 and 102nd nationally, per 247Sports.com.
But USC still has a surplus of scholarships to work with, and several high-profile recruits on its radar. Which could mean USC is in for a wild three-day signing period, or a quiet one.
There are a number of prospects who could commit to USC this week (more on them later). But other targets for Riley might want to wait until the February signing period to make a decision.
Riley’s only been on the job at USC for just over two weeks. He’s still putting together his coaching staff. And for prospects who weren’t recruited by him at Oklahoma, there remains time to develop a relationship with Riley and his assistants before pulling the trigger.
Some might be ready to go this week. Some might need more time. But even if Wednesday is national signing day, Riley’s work to build out his first USC roster won’t be over this week.
CURRENT COMMITS
DT Earl Barquet, transfer, TCU
P Atticus Bertrams, two-star, Australia
RB Raleek Brown, five-star, Mater Dei
CB Fabian Ross, four-star, Bishop Gorman (Nev.)
DE Devan Thompkins, three-star, Stockton Edison
POSITIONS OF NEED
Let’s be honest for a second: There’s not a position group on the USC roster that couldn’t use some help. With that out of the way, here are some areas of particular need.
Starting on defense, USC needs some serious reinforcements at linebacker. It was a group that had depth issues before Raymond Scott, Hunter Echols and Juliano Falaniko entered the transfer portal. The defensive line needs help, especially at tackle, even after Monday’s commitment from Barquet. And some veteran players at cornerback would be a good addition given that either or both Chris Steele and Isaac Taylor-Stuart could leave for the NFL draft.
Offensive line should be the first priority on the other side of the ball. USC has a lot of young linemen, but it would be good for Riley and his staff to add some higher-rated players to give USC a stronger foundation at the position. Bringing in some depth at running back and wide receiver is necessary. And a quarterback would be good, just to have as insurance behind sophomore Jaxson Dart and redshirt freshman Miller Moss, but that might be difficult to swing with five-star Malachi Nelson already waiting in the Trojans’ 2023 class.
WHO TO WATCH
Another Monarch, four-star wide receiver C.J. Williams, decommitted from Notre Dame following a visit to USC this past weekend. Former Mater Dei cornerback and LSU transfer Elias Ricks was also on campus for an unofficial visit.
Four-star Bishop Gorman safety Zion Branch visited USC last weekend, too, and he will decide between USC, Ohio State and Oklahoma on Wednesday. The same goes for four-star running back Jovantae Barnes, who is picking between USC, Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida State and Utah.
Some, like five-star offensive lineman D.J. Campbell, will wait until the signing period in February to make a final decision. Others, such as four-star edge rusher Cyrus Moss, haven’t announced decision dates.
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