Josh Conerly highlights key USC recruiting weekend

Josh Conerly Jr. — one of the few remaining elite unsigned targets in the Class of 2022 — is the main focus of an important recruiting weekend for the USC Trojans.

Heading into the visit, the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine says the Trojans have an 83.6% chance of landing the four-star offensive tackle over Oregon at 6.5%, Michigan at 3.5% and Washington at 2.7%.

The visit to USC is Conerly’s fifth and final official visit of the recruiting process. Scott Schrader of On3’s WeAreSC says that bodes well for the Trojans.

“Josh is one of the few players who seriously considered the Trojans through thick and thin,” Schrader said about the star lineman from Seattle’s Rainer Beach High School.

“Despite witnessing USC getting blown out twice at the Coliseum and a coaching change, Conerly’s interest in the Trojans remained strong. Conerly’s interest in USC has become more about his relationships and what the university offers, more than wins and losses.”

We won’t have to wait long after Conerly’s official visit to USC to find out where he’s going. He announces his commitment on April 8.

Conerly is the No. 40 overall prospect in the 2022 class, the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 5 offensive tackle and the No. 1 player in Washington. He is also one of just two elite 2022 prospects — along with the recently reclassified Lebbeus Overton — who has yet to sign with a school.

USC hosting top juniors, too

Yes, Conerly is the headliner on the USC visit list this weekend. But he’s not the only impact target in Los Angeles.

The Trojans are expecting at least seven four-star juniors on campus. This includes linebacker Tackett Curtis of Many, La., cornerback Curley Reed of Lake Charles, La., offensive tackle Lucas Simmons of Clearwater, Fla., offensive tackle Terrance Green of Cypress, Texas.

There will also be some top California targets visiting, such as 2024 four-star safety Peyton Woodyard out of Bellflower (Calif.) John Bosco and offensive tackle Brandon Baker of Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei.

Four-star running back Roderick Robinson II of San Diego Lincoln and three-star EDGE Blake Purchase of Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek are also on the visit list.

For more on USC’s big recruiting weekend, be sure to check out On3’s WeAreSC.