What to watch for on National Signing Day for USC

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USC isn't expecting many fireworks on National Signing Day, but that doesn't mean there is a lack of intrigue or anticipation for the Trojans today.

After signing 12 prospects during the early signing period and adding a commitment from 3-star tight end Jack Yary on Monday, USC expects to have 2-3 more spots to work with in this class. Those likely won't be filled today, but here are the priorities and what to watch for.

**Join the discussion on Trojan Talk**

Jack Yary, the 3-star tight end from Murrieta Valley HS and son of Trojans legend Ron Yary, officially signed Wednesday afternoon after re-committing to the class on Monday. He is the only tight end USC will bring in this class, and his versatility and pass-catching ability makes him an intriguing option in the Trojans' pass-happy offense.

Michael Drennen II, the 4-star running back from Dublin, Ohio, is announcing his decision at 3 p.m. PT, choosing between USC and Kentucky.

The Trojans hosted Drennen on an official visit in December and made a couple in-home visits this month to try to show him he's a priority for their class. Kentucky has been just as aggressive, though, and many feel the Wildcats are the favorite here.

That said, some new intel adds intrigue to USC's hopes -- read more about that here on Trojan Talk.

USC has made running back a priority need in this class and would be disappointed if it didn't land Drennen, especially after letting its backup plan held elsewhere. Elijah Turner, a 3-star running back from Buford, Ga., took an official visit earlier this month, but his offer was pending a decision from Drennen. Well, Turner committed to Charlotte on Tuesday night before the Drennen situation officially reached its conclusion.

With veteran running backs Stephen Carr and Vavae Malepeai entering their final year of eligibility, the Trojans would be left with just two scholarship running backs thereafter and would need to restock in the 2021 class if they can't add to their depth this year.

So Drennen's decision is the most pivotal of National Signing Day for USC.

USC was optimistic it could land 3-star dual-threat quarterback Blake Shapen after a positive official visit a couple weeks ago, but he took his final visit to Baylor last weekend and committed to the Bears on Sunday.

Thus continued the Trojans' frustrations at the position in this class, which started with 5-star standout and longtime commit Bryce Young's flip to Alabama in September.

So where does USC go from here? Well, Argentina of all places.

Earlier this week, USC formally offered Boise State commit Cade Fennegan, who is on a LDS mission in Argentina that wraps up early this summer.

Fennegan committed to Boise State earlier this month, but he already has a strong connection with USC offensive coordinator Graham Harrell, who gave him his first offer coming out of Woodrow Wilson HS in Dallas, Texas, two years ago. Fennegan has limited communication opportunities with his family during his mission. He's been made aware of the USC offer, but he won't be making any decisions this week so this is a situation to keep monitoring.

Fennegan's father goes in-depth on the situation here.

There could always be a surprise on National Signing Day, as USC is expected to have room for one more addition beyond those stated RB and QB needs. But no obvious leads are present at this time, and the Trojans could opt to pursue a graduate transfer.

The Trojans ranked 66th on the Rivals team recruiting rankings entering the day and will finish with their lowest-rated recruiting class by far in the history of the Rivals rankings (which started in 2002).

That's in part a function of it being a small class due to available scholarships, but more so the reality of a very tough recruiting cycle that started with the program coming off a 5-7 2018 season and continued through another year of head coach Clay Helton enduring constant speculation about his future.

The Trojans addressed needs on the offensive and defensive lines during the early signing period, and added just two 4-star prospects in December in wide receiver Gary Bryant and offensive lineman Jonah Monheim. But as history has shown, some of those 3-star prospects will invariably outplay their ranking -- USC just has to hope it found a number of undervalued prospects in that mix.

Here's how USC's class looks overall:

-4-star WR Gary Bryant (Corona Centennial HS) -- signed and enrolled early, rated the No. 46 prospect nationally.

-4-star OL Jonah Monheim (Moorpark HS) -- signed

-3-star WR Joshua Jackson (Narbonne HS) -- signed and enrolled early

-3-star DT Kobe Pepe (St. John Bosco HS) -- signed and enrolled early

-3-star DE Tuli Tuipulotu (Lawndale HS) -- signed

-3-star DT Jamar Sekona (Marin Catholic HS/Kentfield, Calif.) -- signed

-3-star OL Courtland Ford (Cedar Hill HS/Cedar Hill, Texas) -- signed

-3-star OL Casey Collier (Barbers Hill HS/Mont Belvieu, Texas) -- signed

-3-star OL Andrew Milek (Brophy Prep/Chandler, Ariz.) -- signed

-3-star OL Caadyn Stephen (Camas HS/Camas, Wash.) -- signed

-3-star OL Andres Dewerk (Los Gatos HS/Los Gatos, Calif.) -- signed

-3-star TE Jack Yary (Murrieta Valley HS) -- signed

-2-star K Parker Lewis (Saguaro HS/Scottsdale, Ariz.) -- signed and enrolled early

**USC also has commitments from preferred walk-ons LB Danny Lockhart (St. John Bosco HS) and RB Matt Colombo (St. John Bosco).