USC heads into the fall with 10 commitments so far for its 2022 recruiting class and a lot of work left to do, as the Trojans hope to end up with a close-to-full class of more than 20 commits.
The scholarship/roster management element is trickier than ever this year, as all players received a free year of eligibility last fall due to the pandemic, meaning there won't be the natural roster attrition in the traditional sense. The 2020 seniors who took advantage of that extra year are already exempt from the 85-scholarship limit this season, so when they move on it won't actually free up any spots.
But that's a complicated puzzle for the coaches and personnel department to sort through
After a busy summer with a loaded official visitor lineup through June and a recruiting barbeque event in late July, the focus for the fall will be on lining up unofficial visits during the season where possible and saving OVs for a strong final impression in December.
There will be plenty to track and monitor in the meantime, nonetheless.
For a fuller look of where USC's 2022 recruiting picture stands, we present our in-depth database that reflects which targets are still in play at each position, how many prospects the Trojans are looking to sign at each spot, the latest updates we have on each and links to all of our coverage and video.
Last updated: Aug. 27
Quarterback
Needs (1): After signing two highly-rated four-star QBs in the 2021 class in Jaxson Dart and Miller Moss, USC only needs to add one quarterback in 2022, and as of now they've got their commitment.
Commits (1):
4-star Devin Brown (Corner Canyon HS/Draper, Utah)
Stats: Brown passed for 1,761 yards, 18 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in nine games in 2020 for Queen Creek (Ariz.) HS, according to MaxPreps, but his stock is soaring after a highly impressive Elite 11 performance in early July. He has also transferred to Corner Canyon HS in Utah -- the same school that USC freshman Jaxson Dart set state records at last fall. While other schools like Arizona are making a renewed push for Brown, every indication we've gotten is that he is not budging off his USC commitment nor interested in being recruited by other schools at this point. But his stock may keep rising as he continues to pile up huge stats at Corner Canyon HS.
Coverage:
-Recapping Devin Brown's eye-opening Elite 11 performance with video (July 3)
-Devin Brown recaps USC visit, discusses goals for Elite 11 (July 1)
-USC QB commit Devin Brown talks Trojans visit, move to Utah and more (June 18)
-Brown reflects on his junior season, talks USC future (Dec. 8)
-WATCH: Game highlights and video interview with Brown (Sept. 3)
-Commitment Analysis: Scouting USC's new 2022 QB commit (Sept. 19)
-Devin Brown discusses his USC commitment decision (Sept. 19)
Hudl highlights:
TrojanSports.com video:
Other offers:
5-star Quinn Ewers (Carroll HS/Southlake, TX) *Committed to Ohio State
4-star Gunner Stockton (Rabun County School/Tiger, Ga.) *Committed to South Carolina
4-star Ty Simpson (Westview HS/Martin, Tenn.) *Committed to Alabama
4-star Walker Howard (St. Thomas More HS/Lafayette, La.) *Committed to LSU
4-star Maalik Murphy (Serra HS/Gardena, Calif.) *Committed to Texas
4-star AJ Duffy (IMG Academy/Bradenton, Fla.) *Committed to Florida State
4-star Nicco Marchiol (Hamilton HS/Chandler, Ariz.) *Committed to Florida State
4-star Justyn Martin (Inglewood HS/Inglewood, Calif.) *Committed to Cal
4-star Kaden Martin (Knoxville Catholic HS/Knoxville, Tenn.) *Committed to Miami
Running back
Needs (1-2): Even after landing TCU transfer Darwin Barlow, who has four years of eligibility remaining, USC would still like to sign two running backs in this class. They have four-star commit De'Anthony Gatson in the fold, but could still technically add even two more if they were to convince both of their remaining top targets (see below). That's unlikely, but it is certainly possible the Trojans can add one of those names to the commit list before all is said and done. As for the current roster, Vavae Malepeai will be gone after the 2021 season and Texas transfer Keaontay Ingram could opt to leave for the NFL if he has a strong fall, though he does have another year of eligibility if he wants it. That means USC could potentially return Ingram, Kenan Christon (two years of eligibility remaining after this season), Barlow (three years left after this season), Brandon Campbell (freshman in 2021) and new commit Gatson heading into 2022. Even without Ingram, that would be a strong depth chart. For that reason, USC won't reach here -- it's focused on two targets right now.
Commits (1):
4-star De'Anthony Gatson (Newton HS/Newton, Texas)
Gatson is a prospect on the rise, picking up his fourth star in the latest Rivals rankings update earlier this summer. USC hosted him on his official visit June 11-13 and he committed on June 22, choosing the Trojans over Texas and Colorado. He is close friends with TCU transfer Darwin Barlow, considering him a big brother and mentor, so there's every reason to believe he makes it to signing day and ends up in this class, even though Florida State is making a push to change his mind. Gatson rushed for 1,974 yards on 12.3 yards per carry and 29 touchdowns in 10 games last season for Newton, with 97 yards and 2 touchdowns receiving, per MaxPreps.
Coverage:
-Is Florida State making a push for USC RB commit De'Anthony Gatson? (July 29)
-WATCH: Gatson goes in-depth on his USC commitment as we visit him in Newton, Texas (June 22)
-Rivals analyst, Newton football coach give scouting reports on Gatson (June 22)
-De'Anthony Gatson feeling strong about USC after official visit (June 16)
-Ranking the contenders for De'Anthony Gatson (May 23)
-Texas looking like the favorite for Gatson (May 14)
Hudl Highlights:
Top targets:
4-star Jovantae Burnes (Desert Pines HS/Las Vegas, Nev.)
The latest: Barnes has been recruited as a top priority target for the Trojans. He took an unofficial visit on June 6. Oklahoma looks like the top challenger here as Barnes has a strong connection with Sooners RBs coach DeMarco Murray, who is also from Las Vegas, but Alabama is also generating strong buzz of late. Barnes also came away impressed on an unofficial visit to Florida State at the start of June and has also visited Utah, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and North Texas. USC has looked strong at points in his recruitment, and the Trojans signed his friend and former teammate WR Michael Jackson III in the 2021 class, but there is still work to be done here. USC still wants him in this class -- that much is clear -- and we still think they have a good shot at landing him.
Coverage:
-Alabama could make a big run at Jovantae Barnes (Aug. 17)
-The latest buzz on Jovantae Barnes (July 9)
-Barnes recaps quick trip to Florida State (June 2)
-Barnes talks latest in his USC recruitment, connection with staff (May 3)
-Barnes emphasizes strength of relationships in USC recruitment (Jan. 27)
-Barnes reacts to USC offer and early rise in recruitment (Oct. 28 2019)
Hudl highlights:
4-star Raleek Brown (Mater Dei HS) *Committed to Oklahoma
The latest: Brown is one of the top local talents in this recruiting class and USC is continuing to push hard for him despite his commitment to Oklahoma still looking strong. The Trojans hosted Brown on campus for an unofficial visit on June 7 and then an official visit the final weekend of June, with his entire family coming along for the experience. Basically, Brown is open to still considering USC, but he has to see some questions answered on the field next fall with regard to the offense and running back usage. He's not limited to just running the ball -- he's an elite receiver and playmaker in space and could just as easily operate out of the slot -- but he knows Oklahoma can maximize his potential while there are some questions about the USC offense after last year. The Trojans will need to wow him on the field this fall, and if they do, then there is still a chance he could decided to stay closer to home. There are also some family considerations that could come into play in that regard. But for now, the Sooners still look good here.
Coverage:
-Raleek Brown breaks down his recruitment, state of Oklahoma commitment (July 12)
-Raleek Brown goes in-depth on his USC visit and where things stand with Trojans, Sooners (July 2)
-Fact or Fiction: USC will flip Raleek Brown from Oklahoma (May 24)
-Brown previews summer visits (May 23)
-Brown talks USC, Oklahoma and his overall recruitment (March 22)
Hudl highlights:
TrojanSports.com video:
Other offers:
4-star Gavin Sawchuk (Valor Christian HS/Highlands Ranch, Colo.) *Committed to Oklahoma
4-star Branson Robinson (Germantown HS/Madison, Miss.) *Committed to Georgia
4-star Ollie Gordon (Trinity HS/Euless, Texas) *Committed to Oklahoma State
4-star TreVonte' Citizen (Lake Charles College Prep/Lake Charles, La.) *Committed to LSU
4-star Jaydon Blue (Klein Cain HS/Houston, Texas) *Committed to Texas
4-star Emmanuel Henderson (Geneva County HS/Hartford, Ala.) *Committed to Alabama
4-star Dillon Tatum (West Bloomfield HS/West Bloomfield, Mich.)
4-star Nicholas Singleton (Governor Mifflin Senior HS/Shillington, Pa.) *Committed to Penn State
4-star Kaytron Allen (IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla.) *Committed to Penn State
4-star Tavorus Jones (Burges HS/El Paso, Texas) *Committed to Missouri
4-star Emeka Megwa (Nolan Catholic HS/Fort Worth, Texas) *Committed to Washington
4-star Jaylen Thompson (St. Bernard HS/Playa Del Rey, Calif.)
4-star Jadarian Price (Denison HS/Denison, Texas) *Committed to Notre Dame
4-star Brenen Thompson (Spearman HS/Spearman, Texas)
4-star Maurion Horn (Broken Arrow HS/Broken Arrow, Okla.) *Committed to Texas Tech
3-star Jamarion Miller (Legacy HS/Tyler, Texas) *Committed to Texas
3-star Tomarion Harden (Inglewood HS/Inglewood, Calif.) *Committed to UCLA
3-star Tychaun Chapman (Princess Anne HS/Virginia Beach, Va.) *Committed to North Carolina
3-star Rayshon Luke (St. John Bosco HS/Bellflower, Calif.)
3-star Victor Venn (Buford HS/Buford, Ga.) *Committed to Colorado
Wide receiver
Needs (3-4): The Trojans signed five WRs in the last two recruiting cycles, but the depth chart cleared out a bit with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tyler Vaughns moving on to the NFL and Drake London should follow after this next season. Add in Bru McCoy's uncertain future with the program and the Trojans could use a continued influx of talent here. Oddly, though, the position at which they pump out so many NFL prospects is the one that they now struggle to recruit the most. Top local targets Tetairoa McMillan and CJ Williams committed elsewhere, continuing a discouraging trend with the top SoCal wideouts. USC has two three-star commits in place with Bishop Alemany standout Kevin Green Jr. and recent commit Caleb Douglas, from Texas. Expect the Trojans to continue recruiting both McMillan, Williams and another target who committed elsewhere in Nic Anderson, from Katy, Texas. Aside from Douglas, they have no expanded from their target list to this point and will hope to pull a late surprise. At this point, it seems most likely that USC aims for three WRs in this class but it would take four if they were from the list below.
Commits (2):
Green totaled 81 receptions 1,076 yards and 8 TDs in 12 games in 2019. Stats from his shortened junior season are not posted. He will be used as a slot weapon and will be joining his former HS quarterback Miller Moss at USC. He took his official visit the weekend of June 18-20, a few weeks after his commitment.
Coverage:
-USC WR commit Kevin Green Jr. talks June official visit, connection with coaches (June 29)
-Kevin Green Jr. explains why the time was right for USC commitment (May 31)
-Commitment Analysis: What USC is getting in Green (May 31)
Hudl highlights:
3-star WR Caleb Douglas (Hightower HS/Missouri City, Texas)
Running backs coach Mike Jinks gets the credit for landing Douglas, who was committed to Baylor for a few months before backing off that pledge and quickly jumping on his fresh USC offer. Douglas is a converted quarterback who is still raw at the receiver position, but he has intriguing upside.
Coverage:
-Caleb Douglas discusses his USC commitment decision (Aug. 10)
Hudl highlights:
Top targets:
4-star Chris Marshall (Fort Bend Marshall HS/Missouri City, Texas)
The latest: Marshall announced a top 8 list in April featuring USC along with Oregon, Texas A&M, Alabama, Jackson State, Arizona State, LSU and Auburn. He's been pretty quiet about his recruitment since then. Marshall has expressed previously that he hopes to play basketball at the next level as well. Texas A&M is believed to be the favorite, and Alabama looks like it's going to be a factor as well, but Marshall and his mother took an official visit to USC June 16-19 and our intel is that the Trojans at least have a chance here.
Coverage:
-Chris Marshall talks USC interest, recruitment (Feb. 26)
Hudl highlights:
4-star Tetairoa McMillan (Servite HS/Anaheim, Calif.) **Committed to Oregon
The latest: McMillan surprised many by committing to Oregon in mid August, when it seemed like Arizona might be the favorite. USC is not going to give up on the top local prospect, though. Expect a continued strong recruiting pitch to convince him to stay home, and it wouldn't be surprised if some other staff members -- like a Donte Williams perhaps -- joined the Trojans' pursuit. McMillan and his mother took an unofficial visit to USC on June 5. Getting him back in December for an official visit, on top of a productive season for the Trojans offense, would be the key to USC having any shot at a flip here.
Coverage:
-Fact or fiction: Can USC keep four-star WR Tetairoa McMillan home? (March 23)
-The latest on priority WR target Tetairoa McMillan's USC recruitment (March 6)
-Four-star 2022 WR Tetairoa McMillan shares the latest on his recruitment
-WR Tetairoa McMillan takes slow approach to recruiting
-Making the case: Who should be the next five-star WR?
Highlights:
TrojanSports.com video:
4-star CJ Williams (Mater Dei HS/Santa Ana, Calif.) **Committed to Notre Dame
The latest: Another big miss for USC so far was Williams, who the Trojans started recruiting at the end of his freshman year. He took an important unofficial visit to USC on June 2 and returned for the Trojans' recruiting BBQ on July 31, but that didn't sway him as he committed to Notre Dame eight days later. Again, USC is going to stay on the local Mater Dei star, but any flip potential has to be considered a long shot at this point.
Coverage:
-CJ Williams discusses his Notre Dame commitment (Aug. 8)
-Top WR target CJ Williams talks USC, busy June and decision timeline (July 10)
-CJ Williams breaks down his top 5 list (July 9)
-Williams explains why Notre Dame is a major contender in his recruitment (June 2)
-Williams discusses 'big role' upcoming USC visit will play for him (May 26)
-Williams updates his visit schedule for the summer (May 26)
-Recruiting Rumor Mill: USC targets (March 25)
-The latest on four-star WR CJ Williams, plans to cut list soon (March 24)
-Priority 2022 WR shares latest the latest on his USC recruitment (Nov. 23)
-Williams preparing to cut list (Nov. 9)
-Williams has busy September (Sept. 16)
Highlights:
TrojanSports.com video:
