USC Signing Day 2017: Grading the Trojans’ Recruiting Class

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Sep 12, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans tailback Ronald Jones (25) is pursued by Idaho Vandals cornerback D.J. Hampton (2) on a 44-yard gain the fourth quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Stephen Carr. RUNNING BACK. A. . Standout

USC is stacked at running back for 2017, but Ronald Jones II could leave after this season, as well as Aca’Cedric Ware, in a less likely circumstance.

That meant the Trojans needed to add a running back in 2017 to set up for the post-Jones era and they hit that task out of the park by landing one of the nation’s top running backs — Stephen Carr.

Carr rates No. 3 among running backs in this class and fits what USC needs in a back to a tee. Even though the the Trojans missed out on another top-rated back in Najee Harris, Carr’s early commitment made seriously pursing another RB largely unnecessary.

Clay Helton described Carr as the complete back. At 202 pounds already, he’ll bring power to the Trojan running game. He also has the quickness to break outside and gain chunk yardage that way.

At that size, he’s also a capable blocker and won’t require subbing out in passing situations. In fact, he presents himself as a dangerous weapon in those moments with elite pass catching ability for a running back.

As much as the Trojans like Aca’Cedric Ware and Vavae Malepeai, bringing in Carr is bringing in a future starter, one who can perform at the top level.

That’ll get you high marks.