'I need to be part of that': 4-star offensive tackle Elijah Paige commits to USC

USC was always a top school for Phoenix (Ariz.) Pinnacle four-star offensive tackle Elijah Paige.

The Trojans were right in the mix before an official visit in June put Notre Dame on top for Paige, who committed to the Fighting Irish soon after.

The Trojans never went away, though. Last month, Paige opted to reopen his recruitment and decommit. He knew in his mind where he was supposed to be. On Monday night, he publicly announced his commitment to the Trojans, giving head coach Lincoln Riley his fifth offensive line pledge in this cycle.

“I see a coach that isn’t going to accept anything that isn’t the way he wants it,” Paige told On3. “And the way that he wants it is winning national titles. That’s what I see in him, and he’s going to bring it every day and develop me to the best player I can possibly be.

… [What sold me was ] definitely the vision that Coach Riley has for his program. He wants to win, and he isn’t going to accept anything less than perfect. We’re going to win and be determined on that, and I feel like I need to be part of that and it’s only right that I am.”

Elijah Paige started to reconsider about a month ago

There wasn’t anything specific that made Paige change his mind about Notre Dame. The more he thought about what USC and Riley offered, his thoughts began to change. A little over 10 days ago, he publicly decommitted from the Fighting Irish. USC was where he wanted to be, but he and his family wanted to take an official visit this weekend to make sure he was fully sure of his decision.

“It was definitely important,” he said. “I knew when I decommitted that I was going to USC, but taking that visit just assured it. They made it 100 percent and made my parents feel better about it.”

He says the location of USC’s campus wasn’t a major factor in his decision, but being close to home didn’t hurt them.

“It matters because my family is now going to be able to come to all of my games,” he added. “It definitely helps, but I wouldn’t say it made or broke my decision.”

Locked in with the Trojans

After a second chance at a college commitment, Paige is ready to be fully done with the recruiting process, focus on high school season, and will be part of the Trojans’ recruiting efforts going forward.

“It’s definitely different [this time],” he said. “There’s no wavering, no second thoughts on this one. I’m 1,000 percent committed to USC. It feels the same because of the excitement, but this isn’t going away. .

.. This class is special. You see guys like Zach Branch, Malachi Nelson, Ja’Kobi Lane, Makai Lemon. These guys are special, and they’re the best in the country. This class is going to special, and hopefully I can get my buddy Deuce [Robinson] to join us.”