Analyzing USC's remaining needs, top targets in this 2021 recruiting class

**WANT TO READ THE FULL STORY? Sign up for a new monthly subscription and pick out a FREE T-SHIRT from BreakingT.com for up to a $28 value. Use code Monthly2020 and follow this link to unlock that deal.**

USC has built a strong foundation for its 2021 recruiting class already. Many needs have been addressed with early commitments, and the Trojans have effectively flipped the narrative after their 2020 recruiting struggles.

USC ranks No. 4 in the Rivals recruiting rankings, has been a mainstay in the top 5 for some time now and is well-positioned to finish with one of the top classes nationally.

But there is still work to be done on pivotal recruiting battles that will determine just how successful this recruiting cycle proves to be for the program.

Based on the number of graduating seniors, the potential for early NFL draft entrants and the usual transfer portal movement, USC should have room for a full recruiting class of at least 25 signees.

After an eventful few months and a steady wave of commitments -- that total officially stands at 17 presently -- expect a slower pace the rest of the way as USC holds out for it top remaining targets, many of whom are intent on letting the process play out with hopes that recruiting visits are able to happen in the fall.

Also expect USC to be picky the rest of the way and not reach beyond its preferred targets. Given the aforementioned abundant transfer portal market, the Trojans don't have to allocate all of their available scholarships to this 2021 class.

With all that said, we break down where USC stands at each position, who are those top remaining targets and what the latest buzz is with each.

Target number/already committed: 2/2

Analysis: USC is set here, assuming both Garcia and Moss remain committed. Landing two Rivals100 QBs in the same class would be a major feat for a program that badly needs to restock at the position following the transfers of JT Daniels (Georgia) and Jack Sears (Boise State). The Trojans have just two scholarship QBs on the roster in 2020 in sophomore starter Kedon Slovis and redshirt senior Matt Fink, and only Slovis will be back in 2021. It was imperative that USC sign two QBs, and even while coming in together in the same class -- which doesn't happen often for top-10 national QB prospects -- both Garcia and Moss would walk into a great opportunity in 2021 with Slovis possibly entering his final season at that point if he were to leave early for the NFL draft.

Miami continues to make a strong push for Garcia, but nothing has changed here -- he is a priority in this USC recruiting class and the Trojans will continue to make that clear to him.

Top targets: No more commits needed

Target number/already committed: 2/1

Analysis: After not signing any running backs in 2020 -- despite many efforts -- the Trojans now need to bring in two in this class. Campbell, who has been a major catalyst for USC's recruiting momentum since his commitment in late March, understands that and has openly embraced the program adding another commit at the position. Vavae Malepeai and Stephen Carr are entering their final seasons of eligibility, leaving Markese Stepp (a redshirt sophomore this year) and Kenan Christon (sophomore) atop the depth chart thereafter. So there is opportunity here for Class of 2021 running backs to find immediate playing time.

Top targets:

-Rivals250 4-star RB Byron Cardwell (Morse HS/San Diego): Cardwell is one of the highest-priority remaining targets across all positions for USC. He has a good relationship with Moss, who will also help in the Trojans' efforts here, but don't expect a decision anytime soon from the talented rusher. Cardwell has made it clear he wants to take his time, that he hopes to take visits before making any announcement and that schools who are pushing for an early decision will only steer him in a different direction. USC will take a patient approach with Cardwell and his desired timeline.

-Rivals100 4-star RB Donovan Edwards (West Bloomfield HS/West Bloomfield, Mich.): Edwards belongs in the top tier of remaining targets as well, but he's a longshot for the Trojans. He's widely expected to stay close to home and pick Michigan, or at the least stay in the Big Ten.

-3-star RB Tavierre Dunlap (Del Valle HS/Del Valle, Texas): Dunlap announced this week that USC in his his top 8 and talked to us about his communications with the staff. The talented rusher who averaged 10.5 yards per carry last season is in that next tier of targets if the Trojans can't land Cardwell (or Edwards).

-3-star RB Alton McCaskill (Oak Ridge HS/Conroe, Texas): McCaskill is another Texas running back on USC's radar. For that matter, he's on the radar of a lot of schools with 28 offers.

-3-star RB Logan Diggs (Rummel HS/Metairie, La.): Diggs did a virtual visit with USC a couple weeks ago and has expressed that he's definitely interested in the Trojans. He's an intriguing option if USC doesn't land one of the aforementioned targets.

Target number/already committed: 3/2