'Black Tuesday' for USC Recruiting
Just a few weeks ago, USC appeared on the verge of signing one of the most highly-rated recruitng classes ever.
Tuesday, just a day before National Signing Day, much of that class came apart.
Five-star defensive back Jalen Ramsey, who was committed to USC but had long been rumored to be wavering on his commitment, informed Lane Kiffin and the coaching staff Tuesday that he will not be attending USC next fall. Ramsey is now expected to sign with Florida State tomorrow.
Four-star defensive end Jason Hatcher de-committed on Tuesday and will reportedly sign with Kentucky tomorrow. However, ATVN has learned that Hatcher's decommitment was mutual as he was no longer wanted at Troy.
Finally, four-star defensive end Torrodney Prevot informed USC today that he will not sign with the Trojans tomorrow. Prevot has been heavily courted by Texas A&M, and is expected to sign there tomorrow.
The loss of Prevot is not altogether surprising, and if Hatcher was no longer wanted by the Trojans that isn't of much of concern either. The loss of Ramsey, however, is devastating. Ramsey is considered the No. 10 overall recruit in the nation by Rivals.com. And with USC in dire need of cornerbacks, Ramsey had an excellent chance of starting for the Trojans next fall.
Tuesday night, former USC commit Kylie Fitts announced his intent to sign with UCLA. Fitts had previously been set to be and early enrollee at USC, but was informed late in the process that the Trojans did not have space for him in their early enrollee class and reneged on his commitment all together.
Perhaps the lone bright spot from today was Quinton Powell. The four-star linebacker from Dayton Beach was choosing between the Trojans and Florida. However, Powell said the Gators informed him that there was no longer space for him in Gainsville, essentially securing his signing at Troy.
As it stands now, the Trojans expect just six letters tomorrow, bringing their total number of signees up to 12. The Trojans signed six early enrollees, including four five-star prospects. The only five star now expected to sign tomorrow is running back Ty Isaac.
The Trojans still retain an excellent chance at five-star linebacker Matthew Thomas out of Florida. The Nation's No. 15 overall recruit (per Rivals.com) is also considering Alabama, Florida State, Georgia and his hometown Miami Hurricanes.
Former USC commit Eddie Vanderdoes is also not out of the picture, although he is considered unlikely to sign. The five-star defensive tackle also considering Alabama, Notre Dame, UCLA and potentially Washington.
News broke late Tuesday that the Trojans offered a scholarship to Washington commit Jermaine Kelly. USC had scouted the four-star cornerback previously, but had not yet offered him until today.
The Trojans have also offered a scholarship to UCLA commit Priest Willis. The four-star safety then announced that he will not commit on signing day, as LSU is also reportedly making a late run at him.
