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WATCH: USC commits, Five-Star Plus+ QB Malachi Nelson and 4-star WR Makai Lemon, connect for two early touchdowns

On3 imageby:Drew Schott•09/03/22•

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Malachi Nelson & Makai Lemon

Two of Los Alamitos (Calif.)’s top players are Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Malachi Nelson and four-star wide receiver Makai Lemon. Last week, they connected for two touchdowns in a loss to Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage. The future Trojans equaled that mark in the first quarter of their matchup against Chandler (Ariz.) Basha.

Nelson’s first touchdown to Lemon happened when he found the wideout in good position on his defender. The five-star then lofted a back-shoulder throw to Lemon, who got his feet in bounds for the score.

Later in the quarter, Nelson found Lemon wide open in the middle of the end zone on a slant. Lemon easily reeled in the pass to extend Los Alamitos’ lead.

Nelson is the No. 2 overall prospect and No. 2 quarterback in the 2023 On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 1 player in California.

Meanwhile, Lemon is the No. 52 overall prospect and No. 9 wide receiver in the On3 Consensus. He is also rated as the No. 5 player in California. 

Nelson and Lemon are two of the top prospects in USC’s 2023 recruiting class. The group is ranked No. 11 in the 2023 On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 1 in the Pac-12. 

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Regarding Lemon, he is one of three wide receivers in the Trojans’ class. The others are Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman Five-Star Plus+ wideout Zachariah Branch and Mesa (Ariz.) Red Mountain four-star wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane.

Both Nelson and Lemon have found success on the field

The Los Alamitos teammates have played at a high level, which has enabled them to be two of the top prospects in the 2023 cycle. Nelson showcased his skill earlier this summer as one of the BEST players at the Under Armour Future 50. 

“Malachi Nelson was On3’s No. 10 Top Performer at Under Armour Future 50 He was steady during the morning and afternoon sessions,” On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power wrote. “Nelson threw the ball as well as we’ve seen from him this summer during the morning session. The USC pledge followed that up with a solid showing in 7-on-7. Nelson threw three touchdowns while helping his team to a victory. He often kept things short and did have a tendency to miss high at times, but still delivered a few nice throws. One of his best passes came on a dart over the middle of the field to Johntay Cook II that went for a touchdown.”

Lemon has impressed as well. His On3 Scouting Summary is below:

“Arguably the top two-way high school football player on the West Coast. Stars as a receiver and defensive back. Savvy with advanced ball tracking skills. Does not test as a top athlete, but shows play speed that belies what he does in the combine setting. Smooth mover with the ability to create separation with route-running and acceleration. Totaled over 1,000 receiving yards in addition to four interceptions as a junior. Consistently produces and performs well against top talent. Likely projects as a slot receiver long-term. Does not have a separating physical trait when it comes to size, length or speed/athleticism.”