Should Trojans Recruit 2016 Quarterbacks and More USC Football News

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1st & 10:

First Take… 

Five-star 2016 quarterback Shea Patterson is set to choose between USC, Ole Miss and LSU today at noon live on NOLA.com.

Though the sought-after quarterback is projected to commit to the Rebels, the fact that the Trojans appear among his top choices raises a question about USC’s recruiting strategies for next year.

Do Steve Sarkisian and company need to add another quarterback in 2016?

More from Reign of Troy

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• USC football’s Alijah Vera-Tucker declares for NFL Draft
• USC football adds Xavion Alford as transfer from Texas
• USC Podcast: RoT Radio Ep. 396 on the Football Season’s Fallout
• Talanoa Hufanga named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, USC football with five first-teamers

Whether or not Patterson picks the Trojans, other quarterbacks like Santa Margarita’s KJ Costello remain on the board with offers to join USC.

Yet USC already has five-scholarship quarterbacks on the roster for 2015.

Even though Cody Kessler will depart after this year, the 2016 quarterback battle will feature four capable signal callers, including pro-style players like Max Browne and Ricky Town as well as dual-threat options like Sam Darnold and Jalen Greene.

RELATED: Max Browne and Ricky Town look to set tone in spring camp

Dual-threat Serra QB Khalil Tate also has an offer from the Trojans, though he seems to be targeted as an athlete rather than a quarterback.

Tate’s interest could ultimately answer the question for USC, giving the Trojans an insurance policy should one of the current quarterbacks transfer in the form of a player who could fill needs wherever needed.

Still, if a talent like Patterson or Costello wants to join up, it would be pretty hard for USC to say no.

UPDATE: Patterson committed to Ole Miss.

In Other News…

1. Keyshawn Johnson is coaching at 7-on-7 tournaments, where the California sun gives athletes the opportunity to hone their skills even during the winter months. (Scout)
2. Hayes Pullard is doing everything he can to make an impression at the Combine, including working at a training center in Florida. (Fox Sports)
3. De’Quan Hampton checks in at No. 6 on Steven Lassan’s list of JUCO recruits who could make big impacts in 2015. (Fox Sports)
4. Rashaun Haylock details how Josh Shaw’s cover skills could help him climb draft boards. (Fox Sports)
5. Ted Miller broke down some spring storylines int he Pac-12 South including the hype surrounding USC. (ESPN)
6. How did the Trojans do at each position in the 2015 recruiting class? Kyle Kensing hands out some grades. (Bleacher Report)
7. Mock drafts continue to show love to Leonard Williams, who is being projected as the Tennessee Titans pick at No. 2 by FanSided’s latest mock. (Reign Of Troy)
8. Our spring camp previews kick off with a look at the quarterbacks, specifically the battle for the back up spot between Max Browne, Ricky Town and Jalen Greene. (Reign of Troy)
9. The latest of USC’s Black History Month honorees is Brice Taylor, who also happens to be the first Trojan All-American. (RipsIt Blog)
10. Michael Lev continues to preview the pre-spring depth chart by looking into the offensive line. (OC Register)

Reign of Troy Radio:

The latest episode of Reign of Troy Radio features a discussion about the hiring of new offensive line coach Bob Connelly and the positioning of Su’a Cravens.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Stat of the Day:

Brice Taylor earned All-American honors as an African-American four years before Martin Luther King Jr. was born. (via USC Athletics)

Tweets of the Day: