4-Star Melquise Stovall Opens Up on USC Decommitment, What's Next

USC's 2016 class suffered a blow over the weekend when 4-star Lancaster, California, running back Melquise Stovall decommitted Saturday afternoon.

That loss could be Notre Dame's gain. Or Utah's gain.

Or even cross-town rival UCLA's gain.

Stovall, the nation's No. 4 all-purpose back, said he reopened his process after reassessing his recruiting situation, one which he admitted had minimal—if nonexistent—communication with USC the last few weeks. The Paraclete High School standout said he chose to decommit after a misunderstanding with the Trojans over how he was going to be used at the next level.

"They wanted to use me 99 percent of the time at running back, and that's not what I wanted," Stovall said. "I thought we had an understanding of me playing running back and slot [receiver]. I guess things change."

The versatility of Stovall out of the backfield alone makes him a key loss for USC, a team that only had Stovall as a running back commit. As someone who also can play cornerback, he is looking to line up at both running back and slot receiver in college.

Credit: 247Sports

So what's next for the 5'8", 180-pound athlete?

For starters, it's all about finding a program that will allow him to do what he wants. Stovall rushed for 1,603 yards and 20 touchdowns but also caught 21 passes for 415 yards and two touchdowns as a junior.

Stovall said he's open to hearing from all schools, but schools like Notre Dame, Utah, Washington State and Washington are among those that could be in the running thus far. Stovall added that Utah and Notre Dame are two schools that will receive official visits. Actual dates have yet to be determined.

"I watched [Utah's] game against USC, and I liked the way they moved the ball everywhere," Stovall said of the Utes. "The quarterback runs the ball, the running backs catch…everybody gets the ball. I like that they want to use me as a running back and a slot. Plus, I've got a great relationship with the coaches.

"Hearing about [Notre Dame's] tradition, people say you never get the full effect unless you go on an official visit. They also want to use me as a running back and as a slot. It seems like they really want me."

Stovall added that while he hadn't been in contact recently with the program, UCLA could be in a good position to land him. The Bruins, who Stovall said are "definitely in mind," have an all-purpose back committed in 3-star Demetric Felton, but with Stovall wanting to be used more in the slot, it could work out well for coach Jim Mora and Co.

Stovall said he's willing to give every interested program a chance—as long as those programs are willing to use him at running back and at slot.

"Playing slot is very important to me," Stovall said. "I feel like you limit me if you put me just at running back. I think I'm talented enough to do both. I'm real good in space, and I can catch as well as I can run.

"I want to be a slot who plays running back, maybe even just a slot. I want to be able to create so many lanes versus being limited at just one position."

Competing at The Opening allowed Stovall to show off his skill set. He helped the Lunarbeast team win the national 7-on-7 championship. In skills testing at The Opening finals and the regional round in Los Angeles, he showed his speed (4.57-second 40-yard dash), agility (4.15-second shuttle), strength (40-foot power ball toss) and leaping ability (39.2-inch vertical jump).

Stovall said he still has love for USC but is uncertain about recommitting if the situation fell in his favor once again. For now, he's keeping all options open and making sure he does research to make the right decision.

"It's tough, because Frank Martin and I were helping to recruit guys for USC," he said. "I'm open to everybody right now. I just want to make sure I keep everyone in mind."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles