USC Recruiting Wrap
While conversation about Clay Helton's future at USC continues to swirl, the Trojans put the finishing touches on their regular season with a 52-35 win against UCLA in the Coliseum last Saturday. It was a win that came in front of several priority recruits, as USC hosted a number of official visitors.
At the top of the local wish list in terms of skill position prospects is wide receiver Gary Bryant (Corona, Calif./Centennial), who will have an opportunity to play early wherever he goes next season. Bryant watched four USC receivers record more than 100 receiving yards apiece against the Bruins and the Trojans continue to recruit the four-star prospect hard. Bryant will head to Arizona State this weekend, for his fifth official visit. He's already seen Oklahoma, Oregon and Washington before last week's trip to USC. It still feels like USC is the team to beat in this race.
The Trojans also hosted committed offensive line prospect Andrew Milek (Phoenix/Brophy Prep). Milek (photo above) is one of five offensive linemen committed to USC, as the Trojans look to load up at that spot in this class.
And USC might not be done at that position, as the Trojans also brought in two uncommitted offensive line prospects on official visits. Alex Harrison (Bountiful, Utah/Viewmont) took his trip to USC over the weekend. We'll see if the Trojans did enough to overcome a perceived Utah lead in this race. Harrison is scheduled to visit the Utes just before the early signing period.
The Trojans also welcomed in Casey Collier (Mont Belvieu, Texas/Barbers Hill) who added an offer from USC in October after he decommitted from Minnesota. Collier is a 6-foot-7, 300-pound tackle.
USC also went across the country for a visitor, as safety Jordan Morant (Oradell, NJ/Bergen Catholic) took a trip to USC. Morant is a Michigan commit, but grew up a USC fan, so the Trojans are taking a shot at flipping him. It certainly was the right weekend to do it, as former USC safety Troy Polamalu was honored during the game and Morant had an opportunity to meet him.
We'll see how much of an impact the visit actually has, as Morant will be in Ann Arbor this weekend to watch the Wolverines take on Ohio State, and following his USC visit, tweeted, "Can't wait to be back home in AA this weekend."
USC was also looking forward into the 2021 class, as an offer was extended to cornerback Andre Turrentine (Nashville/Ensworth). Turrentine is a four-star prospect with offers from Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Tennessee and others.
The Trojans got some good news when they made another outstanding 2021 prospects initial top list. If defensive end Korey Foreman (Corona, Calif./Centennial) is the can't-miss defensive prospect in California for USC next year, wide receiver Troy Franklin (Menlo Park, Calif./Menlo-Atherton) might be the can't-miss offensive prospect in the state. Franklin released a top-11 list with USC on it. The Trojans are joined by Alabama, Arizona State, LSU, Oregon, Oregon State, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Washington State.
By Carson Marsh
USC 2020 Recruits in Action
DT/RG Jamar Sekona and Marin Catholic defeated #3 seed Acalanes by a score of 7-0. The defensive victory secured Marin Catholic a spot in the CIF North Coast Section Championship where they will face off against the #1 seed Cardinal Newman on Saturday.
DT Kobe Pepe and the #2 seeded St. John Bosco defeated Centennial last Friday by a score of 52-14. Pepe recorded 2 solo, 3 total tackles, and .5 sacks on the night. Pepe faces off against the #1 seed Mater Dei this Saturday in a highly touted rematch that many are calling the game of the year.
OT/DL Andres Dewerk and Los Gatos defeated Sacred Heart Prep last Friday by a score of 21-11. Dewerk recorded 3 tackles on the night. The #1 seed Los Gatos faces off against the #7 seed Oak Grove in the CIF Central Coast Section Championship this Saturday.
OT Joey Wright and Bishop Monague defeated Damonte Ranch by a score of 24-7 and will now face Henderson (Nev.) Liberty on Saturday. Liberty is coming off a huge win, as it took down Las Vegas Bishop Gorman in overtime last week.
USC 2021 Commits in Action
OLB Ma’a Gaoteote and St. John Bosco’s defeated Centennial by a score of 52-14 last Friday. Gaoteote and the defense took care of the Centennial offense. Gaoteote and Pepe will now take on Mater Dei.
DT Jay Toia and Grace Brethren defeated La Habra by a score of 49-45 last Friday. Toia recorded 4 solo tackles, 5 total tackles, and 3 QB hurries in the outing. Grace Brethren faces off against Corona Del Mar in the CIF Southern Section Championship tonight.
