USC took over the top spot in the 247Sports team rankings earlier today with the commitment of four-star cornerback Jalen Ramsey (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy).
The Trojans are 5.41 points ahead of No. 2 Alabama with a total of 762.75.
What makes this class even more impressive than its current lofty rank, however, is the quality within the 15 verbal commitments. Ten of USC’s current commits are ranked among the top 10 prospects at their projected positions nationally. Here’s a look.
Max Browne- No. 1 pro-style quarterback
Su’a Cravens- No. 1 safety
Eddie Vanderdoes- No. 2 defensive tackle
Kenny Bigelow- No. 3 defensive tackle
Jalen Ramsey- No. 5 cornerback
Sebastian LaRue- No. 7 athlete
Kylie Fitts- No. 5 strongside defensive end
Steven Mitchell- No. 9 wide receiver
Ty Isaac- No. 6 running back
Chris Hawkins- No. 9 cornerback
Additionally, the other five are ranked within the top 25 nationally at their position with only offensive tackle Nico Falah (No. 23) falling outside of the top 20.
Ramsey may have been the prospect that pushed the Trojans to No. 1 in the rankings, but there’s a good chance that others could keep them there.
While numbers definitely are going to be tight because of NCAA scholarship restrictions, the Trojans aren’t finished, particularly in the secondary where they already have one of the nation’s top classes. The nation’s No. 1 cornerback, Vernon Hargreaves III, recently named USC his leader. Five-star cornerback Priest Willis, four-star safety Max Redfield and four-star safety Tahaan Goodman all have the Trojans high on their list. All are top 50 overall prospects nationally.
USC is a contender for the National Championship this coming season and will likely remain a power because of the way it has recruited under head coach Lane Kiffin. Rising star recruiters like Tee Martin, who was Ramsey’s recruiter-of-record, combined with some of the best in the country like perennial top national recruiter Ed Orgeron, give Kiffin the staff to continue to sell his program at a high level to not only the best prospects in California, but across the country.
- JC Shurburtt
- Director of Recruiting - 247Sports