USC Football Recruiting: Top Remaining 2015 Recruits, Class Predictions

USC has already made a huge splash in the recruiting process ahead of national signing day. The Trojans are currently holding strong at No. 2 overall—behind only Alabama—in 247Sports' team rankings. Much of that success can be attributed to gaining the commitments of game-changing players like guard Chuma Edoga and outside linebackers Osa Masina and Porter Gustin.

While this year's recruiting class is already poised to help USC climb the ladder in the Pac-12, the school isn't done yet. The Trojans are aiming to finish with a flourish, as the school has its eye on several 5-star recruits who will be announcing their ultimate decisions on national signing day.

So, which of the team's top targets are most likely to don cardinal and gold in the near future? Before we delve into some predictions for remaining uncommitted prospects, here's a look at USC's current recruiting class.

Player	Pos.	Rating
Chuma Edoga	OG	5-star
Ricky Town	QB	4-star
Isaiah Langley	CB	4-star
Cameron Smith	ILB	4-star
Roy Hemsley	OT	3-star
Isaac Whitney	WR	3-star
Osa Masina	OLB	5-star
Ronald Jones II	RB	4-star
Porter Gustin	OLB	4-star
Marvell Tell	S	4-star
Jacob Daniel	DT	4-star
Ykili Ross	CB	4-star
Sam Darnold	QB	4-star
Tyler Petite	TE	4-star
De'Quan Hampton	WR	4-star
Noah Jefferson	DE	4-star
Clayton Johnston	OT	4-star
Dominic Davis	RB	3-star
Christian Rector	DE	3-star
Aca'Cedric Ware	RB	3-star
Cole Smith	C	3-star

All player ratings courtesy of 247Sports' composite rankings.

National Signing Day Predictions

Iman Marshall, CB

Credit: 247Sports

One of the most coveted remaining uncommitted prospects, Marshall is the big target for USC. It's easy to see why the Trojans are making a strong push for the cornerback, as his blend of size (6'1", 190 pounds), speed (4.5-second 40-yard dash) and ball skills (he also played wide receiver in high school) will allow him to flourish in several different coverage packages.

While USC was thought to be the overwhelming favorite for Marhsall, the Michigan Wolverines have moved into the picture due to the efforts of new head coach Jim Harbaugh. During an interview with Erik McKinney of ESPN Insider, Marshall briefly touched on what he liked in Ann Arbor: "At Michigan, the networking and the new coaching hire."

Marshall also tweeted out this picture of himself with Harbaugh and Co.:

Still, while Michigan is making a valiant effort to snag this 5-star recruit, he'll ultimately land in Los Angeles. Hailing from Long Beach, the California native may find it difficult to relocate to the bitter north, away from a Trojans football program that has produced a long lineage of NFL players.

Prediction: USC

Rasheem Green, DT

Credit: 247Sports

The 6'5", 275-pound Green is a game-changing defensive lineman who has the versatility to play inside at tackle or outside at end. A great mix of length, explosiveness and power make this 5-star recruit a highly sought-after prospect, as his ability to shed blocks en route to the backfield and close up running lanes in a hurry make him an extremely well-rounded defender.

USC is considered the team to beat for Green; however, Arizona State is well in the mix as national signing day commences. The Sun Devils sent defensive coordinator Keith Patterson and defensive line coach Jackie Shipp to visit Green in mid-January, and according to Doug Haller of The Republic, "It went well" was all the recruit had to say about the visit in a text message.

Now, let's compare that to what Green had to say following a visit from USC defensive line coach Chris Wilson and linebackers coach Peter Sirmon. Following the meeting, and before Green visited the USC campus, he spoke with Lindsey Thiry of the Los Angeles Times: "It was really cool talking to the staff at school. We talked about what we would do this weekend and who my host might be."

The Trojans are considered the front-runners for Green's services, and judging on his apparent increased level of enthusiasm toward the school, the guess here is that he lands with USC.

Prediction: USC

John Houston, OLB

Credit: 247Sports

This 6'3", 211-pound 4-star linebacker was actually a teammate of Green's in high school. Houston has great instincts at his position, reading schemes and adjusting to plays quickly to get himself in position to make an impact. His intelligence on the field combined with his sound technique should allow him to excel at the collegiate level quickly.

USC is once again considered the front-runner here, as the Trojans have been making a push to land both Green and Houston, recruiting them simultaneously.

Oregon is thought to have a chance at signing Houston as well, but it's tough to bet against the Trojans here—especially since they were the last to meet (and leave an impression on) Houston before national signing day, according to a tweet from Adam Gorney of Rivals.com:

Taking this into consideration, and keeping in mind Green—Houston's high school teammate—has a strong chance of signing with the Trojans, the pick has to be USC in this instance.

Prediction: USC