Here’s what USC football fans need to know for early signing day

USC is well on its way to signing the most dynamic collection of offensive talent in the nation in its 2023 class, but it’s on defense where the Trojans most desperately need reinforcements.

USC might not get all the help it desires on the recruiting trail. The Trojans need as much talent as they can get on all three levels of their defense. But in this class, they have just three defensive commits ranked in the top 400.

Friendswood (Texas) edge rusher Braylan Shelby is the only top-100 defensive player slated to sign. Uiagalelei would be USC’s highest-rated defensive recruit, if he chooses the Trojans. Oxnard Pacifica cornerback Maliki Crawford is the only four-star defensive back — and just one of two defensive backs overall in the Trojans’ class.

Adding Uiagalelei could be critical, not only because plays a position of need but because he’s a blue-chip prospect in Riley’s backyard. “His ceiling is Kayvon Thibodeaux,” Huffman said. “He has all the tools.”

USC is also still in the hunt for four-star Gardena Serra cornerback Rodrick Pleasant, but his timeline for a decision remains unclear.

One soon-to-be signee to USC’s defense has continued to turn heads in recent months, rising quickly up the rankings. Four-star linebacker Tackett Curtis of Many, La., was named the state player of the year in Louisiana and a finalist for the Butkus Award as the best high school linebacker in the nation. He could quickly ascend the depth chart.

“He’s the one guy that you might look back and think, ‘Who’s a guy that would play early for Pete Carroll?’ ” Huffman said. “Tackett Curtis, that’s the guy who gets you 350 tackles over his career.”

Rodrick Pleasant, center

(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

USC is well on its way to signing the most dynamic collection of offensive talent in the nation in its 2023 class, but it’s on defense where the Trojans most desperately need reinforcements.

USC might not get all the help it desires on the recruiting trail. The Trojans need as much talent as they can get on all three levels of their defense. But in this class, they have just three defensive commits ranked in the top 400.

Friendswood (Texas) edge rusher Braylan Shelby is the only top-100 defensive player slated to sign. Uiagalelei would be USC’s highest-rated defensive recruit, if he chooses the Trojans. Oxnard Pacifica cornerback Maliki Crawford is the only four-star defensive back — and just one of two defensive backs overall in the Trojans’ class.

Adding Uiagalelei could be critical, not only because plays a position of need but because he’s a blue-chip prospect in Riley’s backyard. “His ceiling is Kayvon Thibodeaux,” Huffman said. “He has all the tools.”

USC is also still in the hunt for four-star Gardena Serra cornerback Rodrick Pleasant, but his timeline for a decision remains unclear.

One soon-to-be signee to USC’s defense has continued to turn heads in recent months, rising quickly up the rankings. Four-star linebacker Tackett Curtis of Many, La., was named the state player of the year in Louisiana and a finalist for the Butkus Award as the best high school linebacker in the nation. He could quickly ascend the depth chart.

“He’s the one guy that you might look back and think, ‘Who’s a guy that would play early for Pete Carroll?’ ” Huffman said. “Tackett Curtis, that’s the guy who gets you 350 tackles over his career.”