USC Football Recruiting 2017: 5 must-have recruits for Trojans

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans coach Clay Helton reacts during the 103rd Rose Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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January 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) runs the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Joseph Lewis, 5-star WR (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Schools like USC have constant streams of offensive weapons coming in and moving up the depth chart and Joseph Lewis could be the latest to join that list. The Los Angeles-native is close to announcing his decision to remain close to home and play for the Trojans.

With JuJu Smith-Schuster leaving early for the NFL and Darreus Rogers graduating, there’s plenty of room for a guy like Lewis to come in and compete from day one. Sure, the roster is loaded with talented receiving targets but Lewis could be the first recruit actually listed as a receiver, and not an athlete, to commit to the 2017 class.

Being that lone receiver in the class is something that has to attract a guy like Lewis, knowing that he was the top priority for the Trojans at the position and he could be the next man up if the depth at the position takes a hit via injury. Heck, he has the type of talent that could lead to him seeing the field immediately.

Next: Predicting where top 25 uncommitted recruits sign

Helton has done an incredible job of selling the USC brand despite the coaching changes over the past few years and he seems to be settling into the job nicely. If he can land the No. 31 overall recruit and fourth-best receiver in the 2017 class, then it will be his second five-star pledge in the cycle.

Nebraska looks to be the main competition for him.

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