Four-star RB Stovall to USC

Once Melquise Stovall had a chance to sit down with the USC coaching staff and get a better understanding of how the Trojans envisioned using him on offense, the four-star was sold.

Stovall, from Lancaster (Calif.) Paraclete, is ranked at running back but he would prefer to play slot receiver in college and after talking with USC offensive coordinator Clay Helton, he was convinced it was the perfect role for his abilities.

At first, Stovall planned to commit in mid-June, but he was certain of his choice and decided to end his recruitment Friday morning with a pledge to the Trojans.

"I really felt like I had my mind made up so that's why I put it out there earlier," Stovall said. "I felt comfortable and decided to commit now.

"I sat down and talked to the offensive coordinator and he said they're looking for a Reggie Bush- or Adoree' Jackson-type player, but full-time on offense and he said I was that guy. I just felt comfortable that they wanted me as an offensive athlete."

For Stovall, rated as the No. 12 running back in the 2016 class by Rivals.com, it was completely reassuring to hear from Helton that the Trojans wanted him as a running back but also to utilize him in the passing game.

That way all his abilities could be maximized and he could attend his dream school. It was a perfect fit and Stovall wanted to get it done.

"They just signed two running backs so there was a question about that," Stovall said. "But once I sat down with the offensive coordinator he really broke down how they want to use me. He did not know that I could play slot receiver until he saw some other film.

"I wanted to go somewhere where I felt I was wanted. The minute I first met the coaching staff, they just showed me they wanted me. Every time I went down there, every single coach I could think of talked to me and they loved my film. They made me feel at home and I just want to be a little closer to my family so they could see my games."

In his junior season, Stovall rushed for 1,603 yards and 20 touchdowns on 198 carries.