USC Football Recruiting: Trojans Land Two 4-Star Defenders

New head coach Steve Sarkisian has wasted no time building his new program at USC, as the Trojans have added a pair of 4-star defenders to their 2014 recruiting class.

Wednesday brought the verbal commitment of 247Sports composite 4-star recruits Claudeson Pelon and Jonathan Lockett—both of whom were also interested in Sarkisian's old school, Washington.

Pelon, the No. 3 strong-side defensive end and No. 15 overall junior college prospect, was believed to be a UW lean throughout his recruitment, as seen by his 247Sports crystal ball projections.

He made his announcement on Twitter.

Lockett, the No. 22 cornerback in the nation, verbally committed to the Huskies in June but decommitted two days prior to his flip to USC.

Like Pelon, Lockett also announced his pledge to the Trojans via Twitter.

Lockett is the only corner in USC's small 12-man class thus far and joins composite 3-star safety Uchenna Nwosu as the second defensive back.

Meanwhile, Pelon's verbal now makes three strong-side defensive ends for USC in the 2014 class. Composite 4-star Malik Dorton and composite 3-star Austin Maloata are both longtime Trojan commits.

At 5'11", 170 pounds, Lockett has the height to be a dominant corner, though he will need to add size and strength once he arrives on campus. On the other hand, Pelon will head to Los Angeles essentially game-ready, listed at 6'4", 275 pounds. 

Coaching changes always see their first wave of impact on the recruiting trail, whether negative or positive.

For USC, a program that has seen its depth depleted by NCAA sanctions, that impact must be positive right away.

For now, Sarkisian looks to be on his way to rebuilding the Trojan program to what it once was.