USC cementing itself as dominant West Coast recruiting power

USC has recruited admirably while under the yolk of NCAA sanctions for the last few years, but with those sanctions in the rear view mirror, the Trojans are back to recruiting like a juggernaut again. On Thursday at The Opening in Oregon, USC added two blue-chip recruits to their 2016 class in four-star athlete Trevon Sidney and four-star defensive back C.J. Pollard.

At 5'11, 160 pounds, Sidney has a smaller frame, but that hasn't stopped the La Puente (Calif.) Bishop Amat star from being rated as a top 100 prospect according to the 247 Composite. He's rated as the No. 11 receiver in the nation, and a top 15 prospect in the state of California. He also holds offers from UCLA, Notre Dame, Michigan, Miami, Arizona and Washington, to name a few. Pollard, a Gardena (Calif.) Junipero Serra product, is rated among the top 10 safeties in the nation, and holds an offer list that includes Oregon, Arizona State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Utah, and Wisconsin, amongst others.

The addition of Sidney and Pollard to USC's class moves them from ninth to fifth in the 247 Composite rankings. They were already the top dog in the Pac-12 recruiting rankings, but with sanctions off their back and a full class possible this year, the Trojans have a real shot to end Alabama's five-year streak with the nation's best recruiting class. Their 2015 class came close, but finished just behind the Crimson Tide in the 247 Composite index.

They're certainly not the only team gunning for the top spot, though. LSU currently sits at the top of the list, and Florida State, Ohio State and Alabama should all figure into the race as well. Some may still question his in-game coaching, but Steve Sarkisian and his staff have shown that they're up to the task on the recruiting trail.