USC football: Trojans make top 7 for one of nation's best running backs

Taylor Tatum is the No. 2 running back prospect and No. 33 overall recruit in the 2024 class

After picking up two major recruiting wins in the last four days, USC is in the mix for another one of the nation's top prospects. 

- Bear Alexander picks USC, Trojans land former Georgia defensive lineman

- 3-star running back Bryan Jackson commits to USC

Four-star Longview (Texas) running back Taylor Tatum released his top seven schools on Monday and the Trojans made the cut. Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Ohio State and Michigan are his other finalists.

Tatum is the No. 2 ranked running back prospect and the No. 33 overall recruit in the 2024 class, per the 247Sports.com composite. Mike Roach, a Texas-based recruiting insider for 247Sports.com, logged a prediction in March that Tatum would pick Michigan, but USC is still very much in the picture. 

Here's some of 247Sports.com's scouting report on Tatum:

Requisite height and frame with perhaps relatively leaner stature, but good build with space to add mass. Broad-shouldered and assembled well. Instinctive lane-finder. Plays with patience. Presses blocks to allow for holes to materialize. Also knows how to buy a couple more strides of time on perimeter runs to help blockers re-route defenders. Quick-footed in the hole. Regularly makes something out of nothing when penetration disrupts play in the backfield. Uses an effective hesitation to set up evasive measures in space. ... Outstanding production in junior season. Counting stats made huge jumps with higher volume, but per carry rate also remained high. Capable pass catcher who can flex to the slot and provide a true receiving threat. Excellent athletic profile. Three-sporter who's also a high-level baseball standout with hitting power and outfield range. Owns encouraging 200-meter track speed despite limited reps. ... Physical tools and play style should fit myriad offensive schemes. Projects to the high-major level as an eventual impact starter with a long-term developmental ceiling that could lead to the earlier rounds of the NFL Draft.