On3 4-star LB Desman Stephens commits to USC Trojans: 'Playing in the Big Ten is big for me'

Clarkston (Mich.) four-star linebacker Desman Stephens has committed to the USC Trojans.

Stephens decommitted from Boston College in early October after initially pledging to the Eagles back in June. Then, in swooped USC.

“USC started showing interest in early to mid-October,” Stephens told On3. “They offered on Halloween. It is a school I took seriously right away. USC is a blue-blood school, it is a top school and I was excited. But I am not the type of person to hop on a bandwagon or go on a jersey, so I had to take my time. I learned more about the coaches, I learned more about what the school is about and that is when I knew.”

Stephens said he was originally surprised when the staff in Los Angeles showed interest — noting the distance between California and Michigan. The Trojans do not currently have a single player on their roster from the state of Michigan.

But Stephens’ film stood out — leading to an official visit to Los Angeles.

“I went on my official visit and I left that visit knowing I was going to USC,” Stephens said. “It boils down to fit. USC is it for me. I was around the coaches, I learned their philosophy and I like their mindset for the upcoming seasons. I was able to get around the players, they were cool and they are people I would like to go to war with and surround myself with. The business school is strong and they offer endless opportunities with a USC degree.

Relationships, Big Ten move were important

Head coach Lincoln Riley, inside linebackers coach Brian Odom and staff member Dave Emerick were key in Stephens’ recruitment.

“I like coach Riley a lot,” Stephens said. “His mindset is everything I am looking for and as a coach, I think he is on the right track. He has won a lot of games, he is going to find a great defensive coordinator and he will get the team ready. As a person, he is about his players and he has done a lot for his players over the years. He is a relatable person, he talks to everyone and he is just a normal guy I am ready to play for and work for.

USC is joining the Big Ten Conference in 2024 alongside UCLA, Washington and Oregon. That move to the formerly Midwest-centric conference is important to the Michigan native.

“Playing in the Big Ten is big for me,” Stephens said. “I think the Big Ten is moving in the right direction. It has great competition and it puts me close to family. It all worked out.”