USC closed with a top-ranked recruiting class in 2015.
But if the Trojans want to finish with a top five -- or even top 10 -- class in 2016, Coach Clay Helton and his new staff must work overtime in the final contact period, which began Thursday, before signing day on Feb. 3.
USC has 14 players committed, six of whom enrolled in classes Monday, and six scholarships available.
The class is ranked 21st in the nation by the prep sports publication Scout and 19th by Rivals.
Helton, Johnny Nansen and Tee Martin are the coaches on staff with whom recruits are most familiar.