USC recruiting update: Predicting the numbers in the 2015 class

USC has 16 commitments in its 2015 recruiting class, leaving space for eight others.

How will Coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff fill the remaining spots?

Tailback, tight end and linebacker are top priorities.

USC has three scholarship tailbacks: Javorius Allen, Justin Davis and Tre Madden. Allen is expected to make himself available for the NFL draft, creating a need for at least two freshmen.

Aca’Cedric Ware of Cedar Hill (Texas) High has committed to USC. He took an official visit to USC on Sept. 27.

Mission Hills Alemany’s Dominic Davis attended the Trojans’ game against Arizona State at the Coliseum. Davis, a Washington State commit, said he “loved” USC, “especially them being my hometown team.” Davis could switch his commitment before national signing day.

There is an urgent need for a tight end. Fifth-year senior Randall Telfer will have exhausted his eligibility, leaving Bryce Dixon and Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick.

Moraga Campolindo’s Tyler Petite spurned USC earlier this year and committed to Duke, leaving USC scrambling.

Senior linebacker Hayes Pullard also is playing his final season. USC could take up to four commitments at the position.

Granite Bay’s Cameron Smith committed and signed financial-aid paperwork. He is expected to enroll in January.

USC is thought to be a favorite for Gardena Serra’s John Houston, a high school teammate of Adoree’ Jackson, Olajuwon Tucker and Jalen Greene. USC continues to recruit two linebackers from Utah -- Salem Hills’ Porter Gustin and Brighton’s Osa Masina. Coaches watched both during the evaluation period.

It is a foregone conclusion that Leonard Williams will make himself available for the draft, which will leave a huge hole on the defensive line.

Three defensive linemen have committed -- Jacob Daniel, Noah Jefferson and Christian Rector -- but USC could take one more.

Serra’s Rasheem Green is often at practices and games. USC continues to recruit Honolulu Punahou’s Canton Kaumatule.

After playing three freshmen defensive backs against Arizona, it is evident that USC needs depth in the secondary.

USC is expected to sign as many as four defensive backs. Pasadena Muir’s Taeon Mason and Pleasanton Foothill’s Isaiah Langley have committed. Both are two-way players.

Long Beach Poly cornerback Iman Marshall remains a top target. USC continues to recruit Riverside Poly cornerback Ykili Ross and safeties Marvell Tell of Encino Crespi and Dechaun Holiday of San Marcos Mission Hills.

Three receivers -- Long Beach City College’s De’Quan Hampton, Mission Hills Alemany’s Desean Holmes and Tristan Payton of Jacksonville (Fla.) First Coast -- have committed.

USC is likely to take a commitment from one more receiver. Last Thursday, Coach Steve Sarkisian and Clay Helton traveled to Arizona to watch Scottsdale Saguaro’s Christian Kirk.

USC is also recruiting Anaheim Servite’s Equanimeous St. Brown and Las Vegas Bishop Gorman’s Cordell Broadus, the son of entertainer Snoop Dogg. Snoop Dogg said during an ESPN broadcast that he is “an ‘SC guy,” but would not influence his son’s choice.

Despite having three scholarship quarterbacks -- Cody Kessler, Max Browne and Jalen Greene -- USC will take two in 2015.

Ventura St. Bonavanture’s Ricky Town and San Clemente’s Sam Darnold have committed. Town signed financial-aid paperwork in August and will enroll in January.

Offensive linemen Chuma Edoga, Roy Hemsley, Clayton Johnston and Cole Smith have committed, making it unlikely more will be targeted.

Edoga, from Powder Springs, Ga., signed financial-aid paperwork and is expected to enroll in January.

Questions about USC? Email me at LNThiry@gmail.com or tweet @LindseyThiry and I will answer select questions in a weekly USC Now mailbag.