National Signing Day 2012: The 5 Prospects USC Needs to Land

National signing day is just nine days away, and the USC coaching staff is putting the final touches on its 2012 recruiting class. With the NCAA-imposed scholarship limitations, the pressure is on Lane Kiffin and Co. to sign 15 players who can come in and contribute to the Trojans for years to come.

Who does USC have its eye on to fill the last few spots? Let's take a look at some top candidates...

Kyle Murphy: Left Tackle

With the departure of Matt Kalil, a potential top-three pick in April's NFL draft, a big hole was left at the left tackle spot on USC's depth chart.

Kyle Murphy, a heralded prospect from San Clemente, has the ability to step in and fill the void left by Kalil.

Measuring in at an imposing 6'7", 275 lbs, Murphy is considered among the best left tackle prospects on the West Coast.

Murphy's strength is in pass protection, where he shows off his impressive footwork and agility.

The Trojans appear to be in a battle with Pac-12 rival Stanford for Murphy's services, which makes the San Clemente star's recruitment that much more important.

Shoring up the offensive line was a huge need entering the offseason, and landing Murphy would go a long way in helping the Trojans achieve that goal.

Aziz Shittu: Defensive Tackle

The two interior defensive linemen who contributed the most last year for USC, Christian Tupou and DaJohn Harris, have taken their talents to the NFL.

While the Trojans still have some talent at this position (George Uko, J.R. Tavai, Antwaun Woods), USC needs to bring in a big body to build for the future.

With top target Ellis McCarthy seemingly off the table following his commitment to UCLA, Aziz Shittu becomes the next-best option for USC.

Shittu, originally a Stanford commit, possesses the rare ability to explode off the line of scrimmage for a man his size (6'3", 275 lbs).

With his blend of size and athleticism, Shittu will be wreaking havoc in the backfield for years to come. Defensive line coach Ed Orgeron projects him as a defensive end, though he could do great as tackle as well.

Shittu has it down to California, Stanford and USC, and he is scheduled to make his decision public on National Signing Day.

Nelson Agholor: Wide Receiver

Wide receiver is arguably USC's most loaded position for 2012, with Robert Woods and Marqise Lee returning and George Farmer making the transition back to his natural position.

But, with the NFL draft likely looming for Robert Woods after the 2012 season, its never too early to stock up on talent at a skill position.

Nelson Agholor, a Florida native, is one of the more dynamic playmakers in the 2012 recruiting class. On film, Agholor speed is what is most noticeable.

He also possesses great hands and his ball skills are ready for the Division I level right now. He is being recruited by USC as a wide receiver, but his athleticism could allow him to play in the secondary as well.

Agholor is scheduled to visit USC this weekend and should have a decision by National Signing Day.

D.J. Foster: Running Back

With the departure of Amir Carlisle to Notre Dame, running back immediately became a position of need in the 2012 recruiting class.

Curtis McNeal, D.J. Morgan and Buck Allen are the only USC tailbacks on scholarship for the moment, which leaves the Trojans particularly thin at a key position. Foster is reminiscent of Carlisle in that he is an extremely smooth ball carrier.

Much like Carlisle, Foster, an Arizona native, is versatile out of the backfield, as he has the talent to slide into the slot and catch passes as well.

Foster is not the quickest back in this recruiting class, but he makes up for it with his elusiveness and agility that makes people miss all over the field.

This battle will likely come down to hometown Arizona State, USC, and California.

Foster is scheduled to announce on January 27th, and a commitment to USC will provide the Trojans with some much-needed depth at the running back spot.

Zach Banner: Offensive Tackle

Banner is one of the more physically imposing figures of the 2012 recruiting class.

At 6'9", 295 lbs, Banner fits the mold of a prototypical offensive tackle. Banner's size and wingspan are obviously his two greatest assets, and those traits lead to his exceptional pass-blocking skills.

Banner is still considered a raw talent at this point in his career, so he will certainly need to be coached up by offensive line coach James Cregg.

It wouldn't hurt Banner to redshirt a year while he works on his technique and aggression, but with a little tutoring it won't be long before Banner is lining up at either left or right tackle for USC.

A native of Lakewood, WA, Banner still has the hometown Washington Huskies in the mix as well as USC and Oklahoma. Banner loved his most recent trip to USC, and many consider him a Trojan lean.

The drama will end on National Signing Day, when he will make his decision public.