USC football commits, targets ranked in SI All-American Top 99 prospects

USC football’s commits and targets were highlighted in SI All-American’s Preseason SI99.

Move over 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN, Sports Illustrated’s All-American has jumped into the prospect ranking game, with USC football commits in sight.

On Monday, SI All-American revealed the first-ever SI99, a ranking of the 99 best high school seniors in America.

For the recruiting world, it’s just one more list to examine and debate. But for USC football fans it also is another tool to gauge recruiting strength for the class of 2021.

USC football has pledges and key targets in the preseason SI99.

SI claims their ranking is “the widest, most in-depth analysis and breakdown of tape of any recruiting class ever.” If they’re right, then having players make the Top 99 should be a sign of serious quality.

For USC, two prospects from the list are already committed.

MORE: How USC scholarship math will be impacted by eligibility relief

Linebacker Julien Simon checks in at No. 50, well ahead of his rankings from other recruiting services. For 247Sports, he is No. 147 nationally. In Rivals, he ranks No. 108. ESPN has the Tacoma product at No. 140.

It’s a welcome correction for a player who has been praised for his versatility and instinctual play on both sides of the ball. He may not be the flashiest prospect on the board, but he is as close to a sure-thing as USC will bring in with the class of 2021.

The only other Trojan pledge in the SI99 is quarterback Miller Moss at No. 81. That’s a little bit of a dip from his ranking of No. 61 in the 247Sports composite. The ranking still reflects his position as one of the top quarterbacks in the class. In this case, he is the ninth-rated passer

USC could add some more members of the SI99 before Signing Day, though it will be tough to convince them to buy in without a fall season.

The Trojans remain in pursuit of No. 2 J.T. Tuimoloau, a defensive end from Washington, and No. 4 Korey Foreman, who is listed as an interior defensive lineman from Corona Centennial.

MORE: What will the depth chart look like without Jay Tufele?

No. 47 Kingsley Suamataia, an offensive tackle from Utah, would be a major get for the offensive line if USC can pull it off.

Others, like No. 26 LB Raesjon Davis, No. 36 IDL Mason Smith, No. 43 CB Nathaniel Wiggins, No. 45 TE Thomas Fidone and No. 95 TE Michael Trigg, are on the radar but will require some serious recruiting work to land.