USC could be crunching numbers, again, for 2016 recruiting class

USC recruiting could get creative — and interesting — for a third year under Coach Steve Sarkisian.

Six months remain until players in the 2016 recruiting class can sign a letter of intent, and USC has only five scholarships to award.

There are still several position needs to fill — tight end, running back, defensive lineman and defensive back — and there also are several top prospects available from whom USC must accept commitments, including La Puente Bishop Amat receiver Tyler Vaughns.

USC continues to recruit Concord De La Salle tight end Devin Asiasi, Gardena Serra defensive lineman Oluwole Betiku, and defensive backs Lamar Jackson from Elk Grove Franklin, Jack Jones from Long Beach Poly, David Long from Los Angeles Loyola and Jordan Parker from Pittsburg Senior.

Several national recruits also are expected to make official visits to USC in the fall.

Sarkisian signed 25 players in 2015 — USC’s first full class since 2011 because of NCAA sanctions.

But he also dipped into the 2016 allotment when he promised scholarships to four blueshirt recruits who will be on the roster this season: offensive lineman Clayton Johnston from Anaheim Servite; receiver Deontay Burnett from Gardena Serra; and tight end transfers Taylor McNamara from Oklahoma and Daniel Imatorbhebhe from Florida.

USC also has commitments from 16 high school seniors: quarterback Matt Fink from Glendora; receivers Velus Jones from Saraland, Ala., Josh Imatorbhebhe from North Gwinnett High in Suwanee, Ga., and Trevon Sidney from La Puente Bishop Amat; running back Melquise Stovall from Lancaster Paraclete; tight end Cary Angeline from Downingtown East in Exton, Penn.; offensive linemen Frank Martin from Santa Ana Mater Dei and Nathan Smith from Mesa; defensive linemen Keanu Saleapaga from La Mirada, Liam Jimmons from Huntington Beach and Keyshon Camp from Lake Gibson Senior in Lakeland, Fla.; linebackers Daelin Hayes from Skyline High in Ann Arbor, Mich., Mique Juarez from North Torrance and Jordan Iosefa from St. Louis School in Honolulu; defensive backs Michael Pittman from Westlake Village Oaks Christian and C.J. Pollard from Gardena Serra.

Questions or comments about USC? Email me at [email protected] or tweet @LindseyThiry and I will respond to select messages in a weekly USC Now mailbag.