USC football recruiting: Still ground to cover as J.T. Tuimoloau names Top 7

Five-star defensive lineman J.T. Tuimoloau announced his Top 7 with USC football in the running.

USC football already has a Top 10 recruiting class for 2021. Could the Trojans close out the haul with two of the top players in the country?

On Thursday night, five-star defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau announced his Top 7 schools with USC included.

The race will come down to USC, Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, Washington, Oregon and Oklahoma, which means there is still a ton of work for the Trojans to do.

JT Tuimoloau is one of USC football’s top priorities

At 6-foot-4, 277 pounds, Tuimoloau was described by Brandon Huffman as “powerful, athletic and nimble” with a future as a Top 10 pick in the NFL Draft.

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You don’t even need to watch him on the football field to understand that. Just look at his basketball highlights.

Considering that evaluation, it should come as no surprise that Tuimoloau is the No. 2 prospect in the 247Sports composite for 2021, trailing only local USC target Korey Foreman, another defensive end. If the Trojans were able to close the deal for either it would make the class a clear success.

USC staying in the conversation for Tuimoloau is a good thing, but the Trojans are fighting from behind for the coveted lineman. The 247Sports Crystal Ball gives a clear advantage to Ohio State.

It would take quite the effort from new defensive coordinator Todd Orlando and defensive line coach Vic So’oto to turn Tuimoloau’s head. Getting back on the field and showing what current Trojans can do in their system will be key to that pitch.

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As with the recruitment of Foreman, USC needs to make a big impression when the 2020 season kicks off. Anything less will see top recruits on the west flock elsewhere.