A Look At The 2022 USC Recruiting Class So Far
There was no question that the hiring of Lincoln Riley would beef up the recruiting class this year and years to come. So far the Trojans have received two five-star commits and two four-star commits and two three-star commits. Now this year, the Trojans most likely won’t have a top 10 class just due to the fact that schools like Texas A&M and Alabama already have eight five-star and 38 four-star commits combined. There are still players like four-star wide receiver C.J. Williams and Cyrus Moss that are predicted to commit to the Trojans.
Let’s look at some of the big names that have signed so far.
Domani Jackson
Five-star cornerback Domani Jackson originally committed to the Trojans back at the beginning of the year in January. Although, the mess that was this season under Clay Helton, that led to his change of heart, and caused Jackson to de-commit in November. However, with the hiring of Lincoln Riley before the last week of the regular season seemed to have piqued Domani’s interest once again. As of December 17th, he’s officially signed back with the Trojans. Jackson is the number two corner in the nation and the 15th overall athlete in the country.
With players transferring in and out with the new coaching regime I expect to lose a few more corners and with Chris Steele declaring for the draft, Jackson will help this defensive back room tremendously.
Raleek Brown
5 star running back Raleek Brown was offered by Oklahoma back in 2019 and he committed to OU in February this year. Brown was one of the prospects linked to Lincoln Riley once he left Oklahoma. Brown had de-committed in December and signed to the Trojans. There are still a few prospects who are committed to Oklahoma who may flip to USC, but Brown will offer versatility at the running back position in this new offense.
Zion Branch
The older of the Branch brothers, Zion Branch is a four-star safety who’s ranked sixth at his position in the nation. One of a few Bishop Gorman players out of Las Vegas who will be playing in Los Angeles. Younger brother Zachariah Branch is a five-star wide receiver who committed to USC in the 2023 class two weeks ago. I have a feeling there will be more Bishop Gorman prospects to come in the next few years.
Fabian Ross
Fabian Ross is a four-star cornerback, who along with Domani Jackson, will revamp this defensive back room. Ross is the second prospect from Bishop Gorman who’s committed to this 2022 class. Aside from offensive line help, this Trojan defense was a liability this whole season and didn’t allow for much of the games to stay within reach.