USC Football: Trojans' Top Remaining Recruiting Targets for NSD 2015

USC football's 2015 recruiting class could be the program's most highly rated group since finishing No. 1 overall in 2006. The Trojans are currently ranked fifth in the nation and climbing.

Should head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff land some of their top remaining targets, USC's first top billing in almost a decade is a very real possibility. 

Working with a full allotment of scholarships for the first time in three years has certainly bolstered USC's recruiting efforts, and Sarkisian will take full advantage in the upcoming final push.

4-Star Wide Receiver Cordell Broadus

Credit: 247Sports

Cordell Broadus

A Broadus was often seen strolling the sidelines of USC football games during the program's dominant run in the mid-2000s. That was, of course, 4-star wide receiver Cordell Broadus' dad, Calvin, better known as musician Snoop Dogg. 

As the Trojans seek to re-attain the glory of that era, this particular Broadus could do his work on the field rather than the sideline. 

USC already has three wide receivers committed for 2015, including junior college transfer Isaac Whitney. A fourth—Ykili Ross—is a two-way prospect able to play either wide receiver or cornerback. 

Nevertheless, USC's 2014 statistics prove that in Sarkisian's offense, there cannot be an overabundance of receivers. Six receivers caught at least 10 passes from quarterback Cody Kessler this season, with a seventh converting two touchdowns on just seven grabs. 

And with Nelson Agholor and George Farmer heading to the NFL draft, spots are opening for youngsters to come in and compete. 

Plenty of folks would like to see Broadus catching passes for the Trojans—perhaps none more so than his dad:

"

Snoop Lion is not about to stop pulling for #USC to get Cordell Broadus. https://t.co/7Cbbh2qKSt

— Reign of Troy (@ReignofTroy) January 2, 2015"

5-Star Defensive Tackle Rasheem Green

Credit: 247Sports

Rasheem Green

USC could have its next Leonard Williams should the Trojans land 5-star defensive tackle Rasheem Green. 

The nation's No. 4-ranked prospect at his position, Green is reminiscent of the Trojans' former All-American Williams in that he has the size to play on the interior of the line but the playmaking ability to wreak havoc as a pass-rusher off the edge.

In just eight games played for Junipero Serra High School in Gardena, California, this season, Green recorded 21 tackles for loss and six sacks, per MaxPreps.  

That Green played his prep football at Serra bodes well for the Trojans. USC has had a number of Serra standouts come through Heritage Hall, including Adoree' Jackson, Marqise Lee, George Farmer and Robert Woods. 

Is Green—or teammate John Houston—next in line? Serra linebackers and special teams coach Chris Calvin's cryptic tweet last week offers plenty of fodder for speculation:

"

Serra High RT @Coach_Chris1: Don’t sleep on USC next year. I’ll leave it at that

— Josh Webb (Twist) (@FightOnTwist) January 13, 2015"

4-Star Linebacker/Defensive End Porter Gustin

Credit: 247Sports

Porter Gustin

Porter Gustin had an absolutely monster senior season at Salem Hills High School in Salem, Utah, registering 29 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and 152 tackles, per MaxPreps. 

Obviously Gustin has a nose for the ball. And at 6'5", 245 pounds, he has the kind of build to make an immediate impact at the college level. 

The 4-star prospect could play either outside linebacker or defensive end. Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox has typically done some of his best work with versatile talents capable of taking on multiple positions, whether at Washington or at USC. 

Gustin fits this mold nicely.

4-Star Linebacker John Houston

Credit: 247Sports

John Houston

Trojans fans probably want to avoid UCLA comparisons at all costs, but here's one any ardent USC supporter should welcome: 4-star linebacker John Houston was tabbed as "the next Anthony Barr" by Bleacher Report. 

Indeed, there are similarities between Houston and the former UCLA All-American and first-round NFL draft pick. However, Houston's blend of length and athleticism puts him in his own unique category. 

Houston is rangy and quick, able to take on ball-carriers or pick up receivers. That versatility is crucial when defending the zone-read offenses that are so prevalent in the Pac-12. 

USC is hosting Houston this week.

5-Star Cornerback Iman Marshall

Credit: 247Sports

Iman Marshall

The highest rated of USC's remaining targets, 5-star cornerback Iman Marshall grades out at a whopping 0.9984. He's the nation's top overall prospect at the position and, needless to say, would make a welcome addition to the Trojans' 2015 recruiting class. 

The outlook for USC landing Marshall is overwhelmingly positive, with 98 percent of 247Sports crystal ball predictors projecting him to don cardinal and gold next season. 

Still, a whirlwind final few weeks before national signing day could lead the prospect from Southern California's Long Beach Poly somewhere out east. He has visits with Florida State, Michigan and LSU planned, and spoke highly of Michigan adding new head coach Jim Harbaugh, per Allen Trieu of The Detroit News. 

"Coach Harbaugh going to Michigan is a game changer," Marshall said. 

Just how much of a game-changer the Harbaugh hire is will be revealed on national signing day.

4-Star Linebacker Osa Masina

Credit: 247Sports

Osa Masina

USC coaches and fans will not have to wait until February to learn the future of 4-star linebacker Osa Masina. The senoir from Salt Lake City's Brighton High School is scheduled to announce his decision between USC, UCLA and Arizona State on Jan. 23.

Masina is coming off a senior prep season with 10 sacks, 97 tackles and two forced fumbles, per MaxPreps.com. 

A big (6'3.5", 230 pounds), athletic playmaker, Masina has the potential to be a force at outside linebacker from the outset of his collegiate career. 

Recruiting rankings and information via 247Sports.com composite scores. Statistics courtesy CFBstats.com.