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Seven players in USC’s 2016 recruiting class have already enrolled

Oaks Christian receiver Michael Pittman is wide open for a touchdown during a game against Westlake Village on Oct. 23.

Oaks Christian receiver Michael Pittman is wide open for a touchdown during a game against Westlake Village on Oct. 23.

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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USC finished with a top-rated recruiting class in 2015.

This year, the Trojans’ history of fast closes aside, it seems like a longshot that the program will finish in the top 10.

On the eve of signing day, when recruits make their commitments official, USC has commitments from 13 players, including seven who have enrolled in spring semester courses.

The class, with seven scholarships unclaimed, is ranked 23rd in the country and fourth in the Pac-12 Conference, according to Scout.com.

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Here’s a look at USC’s early signees:

Player: Matt Fink

Position: Quarterback

Height: 6 feet 3

Weight: 180

Scout Rating: Three star

High School: Glendora

Verbally committed: May 4, 2015

Notes: Under Armour All-American … Fink will likely be the only quarterback in USC’s 2016 recruiting class … Passed for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns and rushed for 1,106 yards and 17 touchdowns in 13 games last season, according to MaxPreps.com

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Player: Nathan Smith

Position: Offensive lineman

Height: 6 feet 6

Weight: 260

Scout Rating: Four star

High School: Murrieta Mesa

Verbally committed: April 15, 2015

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Player: Josh Imatorbhebhe

Position: Receiver

Height: 6 feet 2

Weight: 205

Scout Rating: Four star

High School: North Gwinnett in Suwanee, Ga.

Verbally committed: May 18, 2015

Notes: Semper Fidelis All-American. … Younger brother of Trojans tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe. … One of five receivers committed in the class.

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Player: Michael Pittman

Position: Receiver

Height: 6 feet 4

Weight: 210

Scout Rating: Five star

High School: Westlake Village Oaks Christian

Verbally committed: July 4, 2015

Notes: Army All-American. … Pittman committed to UCLA in October 2014 but announced his decommitment eight months later.

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Player: C.J. Pollard

Position: Defensive back

Height: 6 feet 1

Weight: 180

Scout Rating: Four star

High School: Gardena Serra

Verbally committed: July 9, 2015

Notes: Semper Fidelis All-American. … Pollard is a Trojans legacy, the son of former defensive back Marvin Pollard, and was considered a lock to commit to USC from the earliest stages of his recruitment. ... Lone defensive back committed in the class.

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Player: Oluwole Betiku

Position: Defensive end

Height: 6 feet 4

Weight: 240

Scout Rating: Five star

High School: Gardena Serra

Verbally committed: Dec. 25, 2015

Notes: Under Armour All-American. … Nigeria native. … Betiku committed to UCLA last August but announced his decommitment two months later.

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Player: Liam Jimmons

Position: Defensive lineman

Height: 6 feet 4

Weight: 240

Scout Rating: Three star

High School: Huntington Beach

Verbally committed: June 14, 2015

Notes: USC offered Jimmons a scholarship after watching him participate in the linemen camp and he committed a day later.

Questions or comments about USC? Email me at LNThiry@gmail.com or tweet @lindseythiry and I will respond to select messages in a weekly USC mailbag

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