USC Football Recruiting Update

Since the class of 2014 signing day in February, Steve Sarkisian and the new Trojan staff have had a few months to hit the 2015 recruiting trail and they have more than lived up to expectations. Starting with flipping the commitment of top QB Ricky Town from Alabama to USC, Sarkisian and co. have been putting together what has the looks of a potential top ten, maybe even top five recruiting class.

With four commits in the month of May alone, USC's 2015 class is currently ranked 9th nationally on Rivals.com and is 14th on ESPN.com. Here's a look at who USC is still trying to get, and who has already given their verbal commitment.

Top Targets:

Iman Marshall CB: #3 CB ESPN, #1 CB Rivals.com, #2 CB 247sports.com, #3 CB Scout.com

The commitment from Marshall would be huge for the 2015 recruiting class. Standing at 6-1 Marshall is bigger than the average corner and excels in press one on one coverage, an extremely valuable skill in the pass-happy PAC-12. It is even more important for USC to land Marshall because it is very likely that his decision will come down to the Trojans or cross-town rival UCLA. With SC's lack of depth at corner and their  recent struggles at the position, Marshall is priority number one for Sarkisian's coaching staff.

Rasheem Green DT: #4 DT ESPN, #3 DT Rivals.com, #3 DT 247sports.com, #DE Scout.com

As one of the most highly sought after defensive lineman, Rasheem Green has garnered interest from around the country. Holding offers from Alabama, Florida, LSU, Notre Dame, UCLA, and USC to name a few Green has his pick of schools. Luckily for the Trojans he happens to attend USC pipeline Junipero Serra High School.

With recent Serra alums like Robert Woods, Marqise Lee, George Farmer and Adoree Jackson all committing to USC, it appears likely that Green will follow suit. Green's size and versatility would fit nicely on the defensive line to fill the Leonard Williams' size hole as the All-American junior will almost certainly depart for the NFL after this season.

John Houston Jr. ILB: #3 ILB ESPN, #1 LB Rivals,com, #3 ILB 247sports.com, #2 OLB Scout.com

Just like the Trojans need Green to help fill the void of Leonard Williams, USC will need John Houston Jr. to replace Hayes Pullard in the middle of the SC defense. Despite the recent commitment of MLB Cameron Smith it will take more than one player to replace Pullard's production. At 6-3 215lbs, Houston will need to hit the weight room in order to play college middle linebacker which is why a number of recruiting websites have him listed as an outside linebacker.

Regardless of position, Houston is one of the most talented defensive players at the high-school level and a key potential part of Sarkisian's first full recruiting class. His football instincts and versatility to play both the run and pass are unmatched and he would help ease the departure of a defensive leader like Pullard significantly. Like Green, Houston goes to Serra High School and is considered a USC lean.

Tyler Petite TE: #4 TE ESPN, #12 TE 247sports.com, #18 TE Scout.com

While opinions on Petite vary based on who you talk to, it is obvious why Petite is a must for this Trojans class. At the University of Washington tight ends were an integral part of Steve Sarkisian's offense as seen in Austin Sefarian-Jenkins two time All American and Mackey Award winner.

While Petite has mixed ratings right now, one thing that is obvious is his potential to grow into a big time pass catcher from the tight end spot. With only Randall Telfer set to graduate after this season, there is a big need at position even without the expected added emphasis from the new coaching staff. Petite is currently deciding between Duke and USC and is expected to announce a verbal commitment in the coming weeks.

Cordell Broadus WR: #12 WR ESPN, #15 WR Rivals.com, #11 WR 247sports.com, #15 WR Scout.com

While Broadus might have initially gained recognition for being the son of rap mogul Snoop Dogg, his skills at wide receiver more than justify the attention. As a highly touted recruit, Broadus has gotten offers from nearly every PAC-12 school. He is a big physical receiver who might not necessarily beat defenders with speed, but he has shown the ability to make all the tough catches. His interest in USC stems from his father's diehard support of the Trojans, yet it seems that once again there is stiff competition with UCLA as well as Oregon to land Broadus' signature. If Nelson Agoholor continues the trend of SC receivers declaring early for the draft, Broadus will instantly become one of the most important recruits for Sarkisian to land in upcoming recruiting class.

Current Verbal Commits

Cameron Smith LB: #10 ILB ESPN, #5 ILB Rivals.com, #3 ILB 247sports.com, #1 MLB Scout.com

The most recent of USC verbal commits might be one of the biggest. As a highly rated inside linebacker Smith will look to continue the line of highly successful SC ‘backers. Following big names like Clay Matthews, Ray Maualuga, Brian Cushing, Keith Rivers, Malcolm Smith and Hayes Pullard Smith will have big shoes to fill but he appears to be more than capable. As a do-it-all middle linebacker Smith has been extremely productive at the high school level and has the size to continue his success in college. Smith's commitment will be something to keep an eye on, as he has waffled about his college decision in the past. Don't be surprised if he decommits, yet ultimately ends up back with the Trojans at signing day.

Taeon Mason CB/WR: #27 CB ESPN, #28 CB 247sports.com, #32 WR Scout.com

Mason is an explosive athlete who has the speed and agility to play either corner or wideout at the college level. While his skills may not be as polished as more highly rated recruits, his blazing speed figures to have an instant impact in the return game.

Roy Hemsley OT: #44 OT ESPN, #33 OT 247sports.com, #19 OT Scout.com

Hemsley will benefit from USC's depth at offensive line upon arriving on campus. He has all the tools necessary to become a contributing member of the line, yet he lacks the technique to provide instant impact as a freshman.

Noah Jefferson DT: #39 DT ESPN, #26 DT 247sports.com, #73 DT Scout.com

Recent commit who provides depth on the defensive line in the 2015 class. At 6-5 280 lbs. Jefferson has both the size and athleticism to line up at 3-4 end or possibly as an outside SAM linebacker in new defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox's 3-4 scheme.

Chuma Edoga OT: #3 OT ESPN, #1 OT Rivals.com, #3 OT 247sports.com, #3 OT Scout.com

Edoga is one of the most highly rated linemen in the 2015 class. He has the look of a player that could compete for playing time as a freshman at either guard or tackle.

Ricky Town QB:  #5 QB ESPN, #2 QB Rivals.com, #2 QB 247sports.com, #1 QB Scout.com

A key commit who flipped from Alabama to USC upon the appointment of Steve Sarkisian as head coach. While Town will likely have to wait his turn behind Browne and Kessler, he has all the tools to develop into one of the next great USC quarterbacks. Town has also been instrumental in talking to fellow prospects, recruiting them to join Trojans.

Jacob Daniel DT: #14 DT ESPN, #10 DT Rivals.com, #8 DT 247sports.com, #7 DT Scout.com

At 6'4'', 305 pounds Daniel is a massive presence in the middle of the line. He is extremely effective as a run stopper, yet he is also able to rush the passer from the defensive tackle spot. Like Town, Daniel has worked to convince fellow 2015 prospects to go to ‘SC since his verbal commitment.

David Sills QB: #17 QB ESPN, #16 QB 247sports.com, #30 QB Scout.com

Sills, who committed to USC as a seventh grader has failed to develop in the years since his premature pledge to the Trojans. With the commitment of Town, it seems unlikely that Sills will end up signing a letter of intent with USC.