On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Duce Robinson favoring USC

Phoenix (Ariz.) Pinnacle tight end Duce Robinson has been at the top of the board when it comes to tight ends in the 2023 class for quite some time.

The 6-foot-6, 230-pounder is the No. 16 overall prospect in 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. 1 tight end and is also the top player in the state of Arizona this cycle.

Numerous national powers have prioritized for a few years now, with Clemson, Georgia, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and a number of others extending offers. The Sooners were heavily involved with him under former head coach Lincoln Riley, now the head man at USC. And that relationship has transferred over seamlessly. He visited the Trojans in late January for the first time since the new coaching staff took over. And he was blown away by the changes already being made in the program.

“The new coaches and the new culture have definitely changed my mindset about USC,” Robinson told On3’s Chad Simmons. “USC is USC, but with the new energy, the new coaches, and the new vibe, things have definitely changed for me. … I knew some of the coaches that are there now from Oklahoma. And them with the new guys from other places there, it is full of good guys. I have gotten to know the coaches more, the school is in a great location, and they have a great history. So USC is in a different spot for me now.”

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), that spot is at the top of Robinson’s recruitment. After holding a sizable lead over Clemson and Georgia earlier this week, the Trojans’ advantage has grown even further. The RPM gives Riley and Co. an 83.5 percent chance of securing Robinson’s commitment.

He isn’t expected to make an announcement until this summer at the earliest and more likely next fall. But USC is in prime position to land an elite pass-catcher to complement its No. 1 overall recruiting class.

Duce Robinson Scouting Summary

“Jumbo athlete with a large catch radius who looks like one of the better tight end prospects over the last few recruiting cycles. Has outstanding statue and length at over 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds with a 6-foot-10 wingspan. Plays and moves like a receiver at that size. A smooth, fluid mover who showed continued improvement in top-end play speed as a junior, running away from defensive backs. Has one of the largest catch radiuses in the 2023 cycle and consistently wins in contested situations.

… Was the top pass-catcher at the Opening Finals prior to his junior season and created a considerable mismatch over the middle of the field. Turned in a very productive junior season with close to 1,000 receiving yards. Has an outstanding multi-sport profile as one of the nation’s top baseball prospects and also plays basketball. Will need to continue getting stronger to aid in blocking. But he has the look of an elite tight end prospect with five-star upside.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings