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USC's first five-star commit under head coach Steve Sarkisian comes right from Southern California, and our SB Nation recruiting expert, Bud Elliott, says Town could make an immediate impact in the Trojans' up-tempo offense.
Q: What are your first impressions?
Elliott (@SBNRecruiting): Town is an impressive prospect. I've now seen a lot of of his tape, and in person recently at the California Elite 11. I believe he is one of the best pro-style quarterback recruits in the class of 2015. I am not, however, ready to say he is the best pro-style quarterback recruit in the class. He does not necessarily "pop" to me like Christian Hackenberg did in the class of 2013, or like Kyle Allen did in 2014. But there are many things to like about Town.
Q: What stands out most about Ricky Town's overall skill-set?
First, he has a consistent, compact stroke. I'd like to see him hold the ball a bit higher, but a consistent throwing motion that is mechanically sound is one of the keys to good quarterbacking. Without it, a quarterback will make bad throws under pressure. His motion actually reminds me a bit of Jay Cutler's. And indeed on tape we are able to see Town be pressured a lot, because his offensive line is not great. He does drive the ball with authority, and is able to quickly release it to get it to his playmakers.
Q: Where can he improve during his senior season?
While he makes the throws with a high degree of difficulty, I would like to see him have better accuracy within the target. Too often he does not hit his receivers in stride. That, and his somewhat robotic style are two things I would like to see him improve before naming him the top pro-style quarterback recruit for 2015. But he has major tools, and that can be seen in the NFL-type throws in which he fits the ball into tight windows down the field. And while he is not necessarily a dual-threat, he does have good mobility within the pocket and escaping the rush.
Q: What does this commitment mean for USC moving forward?
Having a big-time QB committed is obviously a major help to the 2015 recruiting class, which will be Sarkisian's first as USC's head coach.
