USC Commits Velus Jones, Mique Juarez Dominate Opponents, Score 11 Total TDs

While things may not be going as planned for USC on the field, the Trojans and head coach Steve Sarkisian have put together one of the nation’s top recruiting classes for the 2016 cycle. 

Last weekend, two of the stars of the Trojans' 2016 class—5-star linebacker Mique Jaurez and 3-star receiver Velus Jones Jr.—put on a show in combining to score 11 touchdowns.

Juarez, who is rated as the nation’s No. 2 outside linebacker and the No. 17 player overall in 2016, per 247Sports.com, showcased his versatility in leading North (California) High school to a 49-0 win over Centennial. 

According to Wayne Neal of the Torrance Daily Breeze, the 6’2”, 222-pounder accounted for all seven of his team’s touchdowns. Additionally, he lit up the scoreboard in three different ways.

Juarez ran the opening kickoff back 90 yards for a score and then threw four touchdown passes while also accounting for another pair of scores on the ground.

Even though his future at the next level is on defense, the versatility Juarez displayed is indicative of the type of athleticism he brings to the table on the next level.

As noted by Ryan Bartow of 247Sports, the Trojans will have their work cut out for them to keep Juarez’s commitment. Assuming he sticks with his original pledge, he could provide a potential replacement for current star linebacker Su’a Cravens if he decides to enter next year's NFL draft.

Meanwhile, Jones showed why Sarkisian and his staff decided to recruit him all the way across the country in Alabama.

According to Jimmy Wigfield of AL.com, Jones accounted for 233 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns in the first half of Saraland (Alabama) High School’s 56-35 win over Baldwin County. 

Like Juarez, Jones found the end zone in a trio of ways. He scored on long runs of 56 and 22 yards, caught a 68-yard scoring strike and ran a kickoff back 77 yards for a touchdown.

Wigfield notes that the 5’11”, 180-pound Jones has regularly faced double- or triple-coverage, which led to a slow start this season. However, he’s accounted for five touchdown catches in the last two weeks.

Jones is one of five wideouts currently committed to the Trojans. While his rating may not be as lofty as his future teammates, his performance is a reminder of his ability to create big plays when the ball is in his hands. 

The performances of Juarez and Jones are part of the reason why Trojans fans have plenty to be excited about with the future of the program.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained first-hand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani