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5-star QB Malachi Nelson signs with USC Trojans

On3 imageby:Joe Spears•12/21/22•

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Malachi Nelson
(Courtesy of Malachi Nelson)

Los Alamitos (Calif.) five-star quarterback Malachi Nelson has signed with USC.

The 6-foot-3, 182-pound Nelson is the No. 2 overall prospect and No. 2 quarterback in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 1 player in California.

After originally committing to Oklahoma over USC in July 2021, Nelson decommitted from the Sooners and chose to commit to the Trojans on November 30, 2021.

Nelson currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $797K. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

Malachi Nelson Scouting Summary

Quick-armed, accurate passer with strong functional movement skills. Considered one of the more talented quarterback prospects in high school football dating back to his early high school career. A natural, nuanced passer with a quick release. Shows some aggressive tendencies in throwing downfield. Has touch with the ability to layer his throws. Accurate with good ball placement dating back to his sophomore spring season which was shortened due to COVID-19. Good arm strength, which could improve with overall strength progression.

Adept at running the quick game out of spread looks, flipping the ball out quick to the boundary. Loose and fluid in his movements. Plays with bouncy footwork and lower body twitch. Looks to pass first, but has good burst as a runner with the ability to run zone read or pick up yards when the play breaks down. Plays at a relaxed pace and typically seems unbothered in the pocket. Has a lean, streamline frame and will need to continue adding mass. Throwing to two blue-chip receivers in fellow 2023 Oklahoma commits, Makai Lemon and Deandre Moore, Jr.