Michael Pittman to USC: Trojans Land 4-Star ATH Prospect

An already promising 2016 recruiting class for the USC Trojans got stronger Saturday. Michael Pittman became the 14th player to pledge his allegiance to USC ahead of next year.

Pittman confirmed his commitment on Twitter:

According to 247Sports' composite rankings, Pittman is the No. 14 athlete in the country and No. 207 player overall. With him on board, the Trojans jumped up to ninth in 247Sports' team ranking.

The name should sound familiar. Pittman's father, also named Michael Pittman, played 11 years in the NFL, running for 5,627 yards and 25 touchdowns.

The younger Pittman had originally committed to the UCLA Bruins earlier in the recruiting process but announced in mid-June he had had a change of heart:

As if the sting of losing Pittman by itself wasn't enough for the Bruins, now he's heading just across town. Reign of Troy noted that Trojans head coach Steve Sarkisian is becoming a serious thorn in his rival's side:

Fox Sports' Greg Biggins praised the work by USC assistant Marques Tuiasosopo to secure Pittman's commitment:

Listed as an athlete, Pittman will likely play wide receiver full time when he arrives at USC.

At 6'4" and 205 pounds, he'll provide a big target for Trojan quarterbacks. Because of his impressive height, Pittman isn't a home run threat any time he touches the ball, but he possesses enough speed to create separation from his defender and break out a big play.

Pittman remains a bit raw as a pass-catcher, but you'd expect him to continue honing his skills and smoothing out the edges in his game the more time he works at the position.

While he won't be the most heralded member of the Trojans' 2016 class, Pittman has the potential to be a major difference-maker on the offensive side of the ball in a few years.