Tristan Payton Decommits from USC: What It Means for Trojans, 4-Star WR

Wide receiver Tristan Payton has opted to reopen his recruitment for the second time in six months:

The 6'0", 182-pound Jacksonville prospect ends a commitment to USC that began in August. He joined the Trojans 2015 class just two weeks after backing off his verbal pledge to Florida. 

Payton, a 4-star recruit, is considering several options. He will spend an official visit at Central Florida this weekend, per Amy Campbell of Scout.com, and traveled to Louisville last month.

A possible return to Gainesville could also be in the cards. Payton's previous commitment to the Gators was given to Will Mushchamp's staff, so an opportunity to compete for Jim McElwain may alter his perception of the program. 

Payton, rated 30th nationally among wide receiver prospects in 247Sports' composite rankings, served as a top target for Florida State quarterback commit De'Andre Johnson at First Coast High School. He caught 97 passes for 1,700 yards and 15 touchdowns as an upperclassman, per MaxPreps.

His talents shined in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. Payton earned MVP honors after racking up 101 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

His decommitment leaves USC with a pair of wide receivers in its 2015 class. Top junior college talents De'Quan Hampton and Isaac Whitney will join the Trojans this year. 

Though Steve Sarkisian loses a quality offensive playmaker, Payton's departure gives USC four open spots in this class, per Hank Shaw of ReignOfTroy.com.

That total lines up perfectly to accommodate the program's ideal final push toward national signing day.

USC landed 5-star linebacker Osa Masina earlier Friday and is primed to chase a few more elite talents en route to Feb. 4. The Trojans are focused on 5-star cornerback Iman Marshall, 5-star defensive tackle Rasheem Green, 4-star linebacker John Houston and 4-star linebacker/defensive end Porter Gustin.

Teams are constantly fighting to keep and gain recruits at this time of the year and today's developments at USC serve as a prime example.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.