Malik Dorton Commits to USC: Trojans Land 4-Star DE

USC just got a little heavier along the defensive line, as 4-star recruit Malik Dorton committed to the Trojans Friday afternoon at his school, according to Blair Angulo of ESPN.

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"Coach [Ed] Orgeron and I have a relationship in the making," Dorton said. "We talk very often. He's a great coach and great guy. I like the way he coaches. We'll see where that goes when I head up there more and continue to keep in touch with him. I know they only signed one defensive lineman last year, so there's a chance I can come in and play right away. The coaches have talked to me about that and I've seen it for myself at practices. I know about it."

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Defensive line is an area USC needed to address, and Dorton is a terrific addition. He's from Bellflower, California, and was also considering UCLA while holding offers from Arizona State, Nebraska, UCLA and Boise State, among others.

Although USC is the home school, Dorton has never taken in a home game, but says he will now enjoy more than his fair share, per the ESPN report.

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"I’ve never been to a game at the Coliseum, so I'm excited for that," Dorton said. "I’ll be at a few games this year. I know I’ll be there at the UCLA-USC game, for sure, and definitely the Stanford game. I’ll also be at a few small games, but the big games I’ll be there for sure."

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At 6'3", 230 pounds, Dorton plays strong-side defensive end. He gets off the ball well and is extremely athletic. He has long arms and does a nice job of using his length to create separation from offensive linemen. Dorton is also a stout run defender and has the frame that could allow him to add a few more solid pounds of muscle.

A switch to outside linebacker wouldn't be surprising with his athleticism.

Adding depth at the defensive line was a priority for USC during this year's recruiting class. Last season, 5-star Kenny Bigelow was the only defensive lineman the Trojans were able to land. Dorton is now the fourth defensive lineman in this year's class, joining 3-star Tashon Smallwood and 4-stars Michael Wyche and Austin Maloata.

Dorton is considered the 21st strong-side defensive end and the 55th best prospect in California, according to 247Sports.

USC now has eight commitments in the 2014 recruiting class, five of which are defensive players.

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