Fight On!: Reviewing Last Week’s 2018 Class Commits

In what was one of the more definitive recruiting efforts in recent memory, USC had five players commit to their 2018 class just a few days following five-star QB Matt Corral’s surprising de-commit from the Trojans. It was clear this move wasn’t going to hamper USC as they received verbal commits from a trio of four-star players, a promising local talent and arguably Hawaii’s best high school football player.

Justin Dedich (Center, 4-Star, 2018 Top-Ranked Center)

The best center in his class, Justin Dedich is a crucial pickup for the Trojans offensive line. Dedich has experience at multiple positions on the line, and is able to block anyone you line up in front of him. Even in his junior season, most of the defensive players that Dedich blocks ends up on their back. With the skill level that he has, Dedich should end up being a multiple year starter for the Trojans. An awesome pick up for USC.

Mychale Salahuddin ( Running Back, 4-Star, 2018 4th-Ranked RB )

Mychale Salahuddin is a terribly exciting player to watch no matter where he is on the field. He's an excellent returner, gets up field in a hurry and able to make a lot of people miss. He could be a great special teams option USC. At the running back position, he is an all-around playmaker. He has good hands—definitely an option out of the backfield. His experience at the safety position has helped his ball pursuit skills. His specialty is running off the tackle so if the defense allows him to make the corner—don't expect to catch him. Simply put, Salahuddin is a playmaker ad will be very exciting to watch for the Trojans.

Camren McDonald (Tight End, 4-Star, 2018 12th-Ranked TE)

An excellent passing option with one-on-one experience, Camren McDonald has the potential to become a major contributor at USC. He has experience lining up against cornerbacks in high school and was able to get separation with his route running ability. McDonald was also a great jump ball receiver for Long Beach Poly, coming down with multiple touchdowns and sometimes being double covered. He has good footwork for a tight end and is able to get separation when lining up across a faster corne(he even had a few toe tap touchdown catches in his senior season. If the vertical threat ability from high school can translate to college, McDonald will be a dangerous weapon during his time with the Trojans.

Kana'i Mauga (Outside Linebacker, 4-Star, 33rd-Ranked LB)

Kana’i Mauga is one of the most aggressive and energetic players on the football field and even though he's not rated a top-10 commit—you couldn't tell from his attitude. He has a very high-motor and it quickly becomes evident on the field. He was able to rack up 13 sacks and 19 tackles for loss last season. He's a great player to have on special teams, or even when you need an edge rusher. He is on the slimmer side for the outside linebacker position, but he is still a very aggressive tackler. A player who should make a name for himself in the near future.

Liam Douglass (Offensive Tackle, 3-Star, 97th-Ranked Offensive Tackle)

Liam Douglass was the first commitment of the week. Even though he might not be as highly ranked as the others, he still has lots of potential. He has the ideal body frame for an offensive tackle, and he is very athletic as well. Douglass was involved in some running and passing options in high school, so he is able to move really well for a lineman. This will be very useful during pulls, screens, and running plays as well. Also a very storing player, this can be seen in his highlights when he is bullying some of the players lined up against him.