Desean Holmes Commits to USC: What 4-Star WR Brings to Trojans

USC continues to compile playmakers for its passing game in a class headlined by 5-star quarterback Ricky Town. The latest addition is wide receiver Desean Holmes, a local 4-star recruit who fielded offers from several schools before committing to the Trojans on Monday,

The Los Angeles area pass-catcher confirmed his decision on Twitter:

Holmes, a 5'10.5", 170-pound prospect, will be a senior at Alemany High School in Mission Hills. Viewed as one of the premier offensive playmakers in Southern California, his pledge provides a significant boost for Steve Sarkisian's 2015 recruiting efforts.

USC was still searching for a receiver entering the final stretch of June, but the situation has quickly changed. The class now includes a pair of talented players at the position.

Holmes joins impressive junior college product De'Quan Hampton in a group that now features 11 commits and rates No. 1 among Pac-12 programs in 247Sports' team composite rankings.

The class is listed at No. 11 nationally and features three new members this month. Along with Holmes, USC has added 4-star cornerback Isaiah Langley (Long Beach, California) and 3-star offensive tackle Clayton Johnston (Anaheim, California).

Holmes participated in "The Opening" last week, flashing serious skills during a national showcase of America's premier high school talent at Nike's world headquarters. He spent time at USC on Monday before making up his mind.

“After the visit, I felt USC gives you the best connections,” Holmes told Tyler Keckeisen of 247Sports. “I don’t know what my major will be yet, but all I know is that USC runs ‘Cali’ for life after college.”

His field-stretching speed should quickly become an asset for the Trojans.

Holmes averaged nearly 20 yards per reception as a junior, catching 62 passes for 1,219 yards and seven touchdowns in 2013, per the Los Angeles Daily News.

He provides another potential star in a growing stable of USC receivers. Former high school teammate Steven Mitchell, a 4-star 2013 signee, is also on campus.

Holmes requires some refinement as a route-runner, but he is smooth in space and can make defenders miss with outstanding agility. His best plays occur when he is able to break through the back end of the defensive backfield, where it's difficult to beat him in a footrace.

That quickness could open things up for the Trojans' offensive attack in the years ahead.

"Coaches said I do a good job of catching the ball on tough downs, particular in longer situations,” Holmes told 247Sports. “They like my attitude of working hard and playing hard, and see that as a big part of USC’S offense.” 

Expect Holmes to challenge for playing time as an underclassman. He chose USC over a variety of schools, including Oklahoma, Arizona State and Washington.

The Trojans will continue to target talent at receiver. Equanimeous St. Brown, Cordell Broadus and Kanya Bell are among the team's coveted options.

Recruit ratings and information courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.

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