5-star WR Makai Lemon signs with the USC Trojans

Los Alamitos (Calif.) five-star receiver Makai Lemon has signed with USC.

The 6-foot-0, 180-pound Heard is the No. 25 overall prospect and No. 3 wide receiver in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 4 player in California.

Lemon’s been committed to USC since December 3, 2021.

Lemon currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $229K. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

Makai Lemon Scouting Summary

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.