Melquise Stovall De-Commits from USC Football

Four-star running back Melquise Stovall announced his de-commitment from USC football Saturday on Twitter, electing to open up his recruitment for the 2016 class.

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Stovall committed to USC back in April as part of a string of pledges from offensive linemen Nathan Smith and Frank Martin. Before committing, his top six included Arizona, ASU, Cal, Washington and UCLA.

The all-purpose back from Paraclete is rated No. 4 in the nation at that position, according to the 247Sports composite. He also checks in as the No. 26 player in the state of California.

At 5-foot-8, 180 pounds, Stovall has the speed, elusiveness and hands to serve as a playmaker from the backfield whether running or receiving. Some have even considered the possibility he could fill the role of a receiver in the slot. In that sense, he closely resembles the mold of incoming freshman Dominic Davis.

USC does have a commitment for 2015 from four-star Bishop Amat receiver Trevon Sidney, who could cover much of what the Trojans intended for Stovall, but his absence from the class is a blow.

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Stovall was USC’s only running back commit for 2016. Steve Sarkisian and his staff loaded up with running backs in the 2015 class, with Davis, Ronald Jones II and Aca’Cedric Ware joining the program this fall.

However, the Trojans will lose running back Tre Madden and fullbacks Soma Vainuku and Jahleel Pinner to graduation after this season. Justin Davis would also be eligible to depart for the NFL after his junior season. That possibility could leave USC with some gaps at the position.

For 2017, USC does have the commitment of four-star running back Stephen Carr, but there may be room for the Trojans to explore some options in this coming class at the position.

Spaces are limited though. With Stovall’s de-commitment USC class is back down to 15 commits but their are only six spots remaining because of blueshirt additions for this season.