Porter Gustin Commits to USC: 4-Star LB Will Help Trojans D Reach Elite Status

USC continued its quest toward a program-altering recruiting class Tuesday, securing a commitment from prized Utah prospect Porter Gustin:

The 6'5", 245-pound playmaker picked USC from a crowded field of contenders. Fellow finalists included Arizona State, Utah and Ohio State, who appeared to make a strong late push for his services. 

Gustin, rated fourth nationally among outside linebackers in 247Sports' composite rankings, is arguably the most versatile defender in this class. He is a multisport star who excels at several positions in football and reached the nationally televised Nike SPARQ finals, which measure all-around athleticism through combine-like drills.

Bleacher Report national recruiting analyst Sanjay Kirpalani studied his skill set as part of B/R's CFB Recruiting 200 series. He left the door open for a position change in college:

"

Gustin is a supreme athlete who also played quarterback for his high school team. He’s raw on the defensive side of the ball, but he has all the tools—size, athleticism, speed and agility—to be a force as a linebacker. He’s versatile enough to play inside or outside linebacker, but his development as a pass-defender will likely determine his eventual landing spot at the next level. 

"

The unpredictability of his long-term position resulted in varied views from programs that pursued him.

"It seems like every school sees me playing at a different spot," Gustin told Bleacher Report during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl festivities. "It can make it tougher to get down to a decision."

So where does the Trojans coaching staff envision its newest addition?

"USC mainly wants me at inside linebacker," Gustin said, later explaining that defensive end is also an eventual option.

He spoke highly of the program's trajectory during a conversation in December.

"That coaching staff and team are headed upward," Gustin said.

USC hopes he's a key part of that continued climb. An era of severe scholarship sanctions resulted in roster limitations, though an abundance of talent could rejuvenate the depth chart this year.

Year	Tackles	Sacks	Rushing Yards	Passing Yards	Touchdowns
2013	78	2	260	1,273	15
2014	152	10.5	891	2,864	33
Total	230	12.5	1,381	4,137	48

The defense, in particular, should quickly show signs of improvement.

Gustin joins fellow Utah linebacker Osa Masina, a 5-star commit, in the class. Cameron Smith, a 4-star linebacker, enrolled early and will compete during spring camp.

Masina instantly reacted to the commitment on Twitter, referring to USC as "Linebacker U":

"

️FIGHT ON #LBU @portgus15 pic.twitter.com/vIkUHPj2cG

— Osa Masina (@OS_tertag) February 3, 2015"

The impressive linebacker trio serves as a foundation for a class that features 4-star defensive backs Isaiah Langley, Ykili Ross and Marvell Tell. Defensive tackle Jacob Daniel, another 4-star talent, is also on board.

USC has already accomplished a lot during this recruiting cycle and aims to punctuate the process with commitments from three coveted in-state defenders.

Top-ranked cornerback Iman Marshall, 5-star defensive tackle Rasheem Green and 4-star linebacker John Houston will each reveal their collegiate intentions Wednesday.

USC, now rated second nationally in 247Sports' composite class rankings, is viewed as the favorite for each.

If the Trojans' plans come to fruition on signing day, consider this defensive unit as one on the verge of sustained dominance.

Gustin starred on a grand stage at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, tallying a sack and a 28-yard interception return for a touchdown.

His announcement Tuesday ensures he'll spend plenty of time in the limelight of Los Angeles. The Trojans hope he's up to the task as early as possible.

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.