Get ready to start hearing arguments about USC being Linebacker U, because the Trojans have quite the stable of linebackers just in the Class of 2015 alone. A class that already included four-star talents Cameron Smith (an early enrollee, No. 7 inside linebacker in the nation) and Osa Masina (No. 3 outside linebacker in the nation) became just a little bit better Tuesday on the eve of National Signing Day.
Porter Gustin, a five-star recruit and the nation’s top-ranked inside linebacker according to Rivals, committed to USC at a live press conference at Salem Hills High School in Utah. Gustin chose USC over Ohio State and new Pac-12 rivals Arizona State and Utah. Gustin’s father, who made some opening comments before Porter announced his decision, said his son did not make a decision on where he was going until 3:15 a.m. mountain time today. Here’s hoping Gustin did not feel pressure to make the announcement and make the decision without giving it enough thought. Whatever the case, USC head coach Steve Sarkisian should be ecstatic about the class that is coming together for the Trojans.
USC is a traditional recruiting powerhouse and can usually have whatever top recruits out west it chooses. As things stand now USC trails only Alabama in the recruiting rankings, but the Trojans an amazing pool of talent joining the program. Of the 21 players currently committed to USC, 17 are four-star recruits. Gustin is the first and only five-star player on the board for right now. USC is in the mix for another five-star linebacker as well.
Outside linebacker John Houston of Gardena, California has USC in the top five heading to signing day, and USC was the destination for the last official visit (and only visit in January). Houston will announce his decision live on ESPNU at 2 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday.
Photo credit: Rivals
