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USC targets shine at the Rivals Five-Star Challenge

TrojanSports.com's Mike Singer was in Atlanta, Georgia this weekend for the Rivals Five-Star Challenge, and he recaps how some of USC's top targets performed on the field.

USC running back commit Stephen Carr had a nice outing at the Rivals Five-Star Challenge
USC running back commit Stephen Carr had a nice outing at the Rivals Five-Star Challenge
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Lindsey took home the wide receiver MVP for good reason. During the morning session, the four-star recruit, who should be on his way to a fifth star, dominated with his speed and exceptional route running ability. Lindsey was fantastic during the night session as his team won the 7v7 tournament, and he scored several touchdowns in impressive fashion. USC is in Lindsey's top six, but they are a bit on the outside looking in at this point.

There were only four running backs in the Rivals Challenge, and they were all fantastic players. Carr showed why he's the number one all-purpose back in the nation. Running backs' abilities aren't showcased all that much in the 7v7 setting, but Carr was a top target in the passing game. He caught several touchdowns on the night. Carr was edged out by Najee Harris as the running back MVP.

Speaking of Harris, he was exceptional all day long. During the one-on-one period, Harris was a mismatch with linebackers. Harris could play slot receiver in college at a very high level, but his home is obviously in the backfield. He has great hands and a knack for finding the open hole in the zone. Harris is committed to Alabama, but USC is still in the mix to land his signature.

At 6-foot-2, 275-pounds, Brett Neilon isn't a small guy, but he was the shortest of the lineman. That didn't have any impact on his game, however. Neilon had a very productive day against some of the top pass rushers in the country. USC is getting a good one in Neilon, the nation's No. 5 offensive guard.

Hall is a great football player, but he's an even better young man. The five-star 2018 wide receiver from Los Angeles is going to be a star at the next level. His catching radius is phenomenal and couples that with pretty good speed. Hall has great football knowledge in running his routes - just an all-around great wide receiver. USC is in good position early on for Hall.

It didn't matter where Jaylon Redd lined up on Saturday. He was making plays all over the field. Redd will most likely play defensive back in college, but he could find a home at slot receiver too. He was easily one of the fastest recruits in attendance. Redd is planning a list of favorite schools, and USC should make that list.

Wilson is the No. 1 defensive tackle, the No. 1 overall player in the nation, and took home defensive line MVP honors on Saturday night. He did not shy away from taking reps as he was ultra-competitive, and he definitely would let the opposing offensive lineman know that they lost the rep to him if that happened. Wilson is a big priority for USC, and he placed them in his top ten.

Harley does not have an offer from USC at this point, but he hopes to change that after he heads to USC for the Rising Stars Camp in eleven days. After taking a big wide receiver class in 2016, USC has very limited spots at the position in the class of 2017. They already have wide receiver commitments from Marlon Williams and Randal Grimes, but Harley is an exceptional talent. He dominated the one-on-one period as an outside receiver against bigger defensive backs.

Phillips, who recently picked up his fifth star, is solidly committed to UCLA, and it would take a lot for him to change his mind from his Bruin pledge. However, USC is still keeping in touch with him. Phillips has great size and is a great talent.

Filiaga was solid on Saturday. At 6-foot-6, 335-pounds, Filiaga is a handful for defensive ends to deal with. He has great technique and was very productive. USC sits in a great spot for Filiaga. He was roommates this weekend with USC commit Brett Neilon, and Neilon is trying to sway him towards USC.

USC offered Smith in May and it was obvious why they offered him. He is a big play machine. Smith had a great night session as he scored a few touchdowns on the deep ball. Smith hopes to make a trip to USC this summer.

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