USC Recruits React to Trojans Firing Steve Sarkisian

The immediate response to Monday's news of the firing of head coach Steve Sarkisian varied throughout the program's 14 commits.

Sixteen, if you want to count outside linebackers Daelin Hayes and Mique Juarez, who have both decommitted since Sunday. Hayes decommitted hours after Sarkisian originally was placed on a leave of absence on Sunday. USC terminated Sarkisian the next day.

And then Tuesday morning, Juarez announced his decommitment via Twitter. Juarez was the highest-ranked USC commit and the program's lone 5-star pledge.

As USC attempts to bounce back, recruits are now in situations where they have to make big decisions: Do they stick with USC or go elsewhere?

While Hayes said he's still a fan of the USC coaching staff, he made his decision on Twitter, announcing that he is reopening his process:

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pic.twitter.com/HrCdpkiAQk

— ⚡️Daelin Hayes⚡️ (@DaelinHayes_24) October 11, 2015"

The Trojans aren't expecting to lose many commits, but damage control will need to be done. Monday evening, flex tight end Thaddeus Moss, the son of NFL receiver great Randy Moss, tweeted that he is canceling his official visit to USC:

Moss was scheduled to make the trip the weekend of Nov. 27, as was Hayes. Now, it appears that neither will show for the big game against UCLA.

There are those commits who are weighing all pros and cons before making a final decision—which is expected with a decision of this magnitude. Receiver Tyler Vaughns said he needed additional time to clear his head and process everything happening.

"Right now, I just hope Sark gets the help he deserves," Vaughns said. "I'm praying for him."

As for his commitment status, Vaughns simply said, "We will see in the next few days."

Wide receivers Josh Imatorbhebhe and Velus Jones Jr. said they're still Trojans as of now. Imatorbhebhe's declaration came with a caveat of sorts.

"I'm still committed," he told Bleacher Report's Tyler Donohue, "but feel that it's wise to explore the other options that I have."

Jones tweeted that while he's in Sarkisian's corner, he's keeping his options open, despite maintaining his commitment:

Don't be surprised if several other commits have the same reaction. There's still plenty of love for USC without Sarkisian for a lot of athletes—particularly if some of the assistants remain on staff.

Offensive coordinator Clay Helton has taken over as interim head coach, and wide receivers coach Tee Martin is a must-keep, as he tops the list in the 247Sports recruiter rankings. He's had his hand in recruiting several of the 15 pledges.

The good news is that USC has commits who are staying with the program regardless of the situation. Defensive tackle commit Keyshon Camp said he is looking forward to representing the Trojans.

"I'm still committed to USC," Camp said. "I just send my blessings out to Coach Sark and his family."

Safety C.J. Pollard also said that he is still a solid commit to the Trojans. Pollard's commitment is important, as he's currently the team's only defensive back pledge.

"It's an unfortunate situation," Pollard said via public statement. "I think Sark is a great guy. My prayers are with him as he recovers."

Pollard then delivered news that will lift the spirits of USC fans.

"I'm still committed to USC," he said. "I have not wavered at all. I'm hopeful that USC will bounce back from it all."

Danny Moloshok/Associated Press

USC is hoping to put Sarkisian's firing behind it quickly. The show must go on, which means the Trojans have to prepare for a road game Saturday against Notre Dame and then continue a brutal Pac-12 schedule, which includes Utah at home and Cal on the road this month, as well as November matchups with Arizona, Colorado, Oregon and UCLA.

And with recruiting being a lifeline, USC will need to continue focusing on landing some of the best players in the 2016 class. Among the players to watch are Isaac Nauta, the nation's top-ranked tight end, and local product Jack Jones, the nation's No. 3 athlete.

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