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ESPN.com: USC Trojans

Thursday, February 21, 2013
WeAreSC Roundtable

By WeAreSC staff


	Gardena (Calif.) Serra Watch List cornerback Adoree' Jackson is a must-get for the Trojans as far as the WeAreSC Roundtable is concerned.

What positions does USC need to focus on in recruiting the 2014 class?

Garry Paskwietz
Cornerback: This might be the biggest need spot for the Trojans and with 20 available scholarships there just might be three corners taken in this class. The top target -- Adoree' Jackson from Gardena (Calif.) Serra, who could be the top playmaker in the state next year.

Tight end: Just a year ago this was looking like one of the most stacked positions on the team but with the uncertain status of Junior Pomee (off-field arrest) and Christian Thomas (injury), as well as Xavier Grimble and Randall Telfer being draft-eligible after this season, it is critical to land a player at this spot. Top target -- Tyler Luatua (La Mirada, Calif./La Mirada).

Quarterback: Lane Kiffin likes to have four quarterbacks on the roster and right now the Trojans only have three. Last year USC made one early offer to a quarterback, Max Browne, and he ended up committing to the Trojans. This year there is one early offer, to Keller Chryst from Palo Alto (Calif.) High.

Defensive line: Do the math, the Trojans were willing to take five verbals from defensive linemen last year but ended up with only one. That means there are some spots to fill and this class will need to include multiple players on the line, including players who fit the OLB/DE role in the 5-2.

Offensive line: The Trojans would do well to simply hold on to the three commits they already have for this class. Sure, it would always be nice to add more -- and the coaches will try to add at least one more -- but the three verbals represent three very good players and would be considered a terrific OL group if they sign.

Johnny Curren
Cornerback: The Trojans really needed to secure at least two impact performers at cornerback this past signing day, but instead added just one in Chris Hawkins. In looking at USC’s roster for next season, there just isn’t a ton of depth at the position at all, and it’s arguably the most crucial spot for the Trojans to shore up in the Class of 2014. Top Target -- Adoree’ Jackson.

Defensive line: After signing just one defensive lineman in Kenny Bigelow while losing out on a host of others at the very last second, the Trojans will really need to load up here to give Ed Orgeron what he ideally wants, especially in terms of depth. Top Target -- Da'Shawn Hand (Woodbridge, Va./Woodbridge)

Receiver: While Steven Mitchell and Darreus Rogers are welcome additions to the USC receiving corps, this still isn’t a particularly deep unit. Couple that with the fact that Marqise Lee could potentially leave after another productive season, and it becomes obvious that the Trojans could use two or three wideouts in the Class of 2014. Top Target -- John Smith (Long Beach, Calif./ Poly)

Linebacker: All three of USC’s starting linebackers will be juniors in 2013, so you can be sure that the Trojans will be looking to build depth at the position with an eye toward the future. And with Clancy Pendergast installing a 5-2 alignment this spring, the new Trojans defensive coordinator will likely take a special interest in bringing in some linebackers that fit the style of the new-look defense. Top Target -- Dwight Williams (Gardena, Calif./Serra)

Offensive line: You can never have enough quality offensive linemen, and with Casey Tucker, Toa Lobendahn and Jordan Poland already verbally committed, the Trojans are off to an excellent start. Now the USC coaching staff just needs to keep those linemen locked up, while also adding at least one more. Top Target -- Viane Talamaivao (Corona, Calif./Centennial)

Blair Angulo


	Keller Chryst seems to be USC's primary quarterback target in the 2014 recruiting cycle.

Quarterback: A signal-caller is crucial in any class, but the importance is heightened if the Trojans lose either Max Wittek or Cody Kessler to transfer. Top target: Keller Chryst.

Receiver: The Trojans brought in Steven Mitchell and Darreus Rogers in the 2013 class but will likely need more than that next year, especially if Marqise Lee declares for the NFL Draft. Top target: John "JuJu" Smith.

Offensive line: USC secured three early commitments from 2014 offensive linemen and will now have to play keep away. Toa Lobendahn and Jordan Poland intend to enroll early, so that should help some. Top target: Casey Tucker (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton) -- already committed but receiving national attention.

Defensive line: Eddie Vanderdoes, Kylie Fitts, Jason Hatcher and Torrodney Prevot were all committed to USC at one point but signed elsewhere, leaving highly rated defensive tackle Kenny Bigelow as the only one to follow through on his pledge. The Trojans need depth at the position. Top target: Gerald Willis III (New Orleans, La./Edna Karr).

Cornerback: Losing Jalen Ramsey to Florida State on signing day was a tough blow, as was the inability to flip Washington signee Jermaine Kelly of nearby Los Angeles Salesian. USC must bring in corners in the next class. Top target: Adoree' Jackson.

Greg Katz
Defensive line: No question that after only signing Kenny Bigelow last signing period and losing other top-flight prospects so late in the game, the Trojans badly need defensive linemen. They need to get the type of linemen that fit DC Clancy Pendergast’s 5-2 scheme.

Linebacker: With much of their linebacker corps for 2013 being upperclassmen, the Trojans need to reload. With the switch to the 5-2 defense, one would assume the need for quantity would be in order. Would love to see the Trojans stay local and land Dwight Williams and Jamardre Cobb (Los Angeles/Salesian).

Cornerback: The Trojans signed the best safeties from the Class of 2013 in Su'a Cravens and Leon McQuay III but signed just corner in early enrollee Chris Hawkins. They lost out on some key corner prospects but have a chance to redeem themselves in 2014. Can the Trojans persuade talented Adoree’ Jackson to wear cardinal and gold?

Offensive line: The Trojans lose tackle Kevin Graf and guard John Martinez after 2013 but have already addressed the OL questions with three early commits. Of course as we have learned, those early commits only mean something when they are signed.

Tight end: You would have to think that the Trojans twin tight end talents Xavier Grimble and Randall Telfer might go pro after their upcoming junior season. So with that in mind, all eyes turn to top prospect Tyler Luatua (La Mirada, Calif./La Mirada).