Nation's No. 4 CB Elbert Hill IV ready to 'make a name' in L.A., commits to USC

The On3 Industry’s No. 4 cornerback Elbert Hill IV has committed to USC. The top-ranked recruit in Ohio and nation’s No. 35 prospect overall chose the Trojans over Oregon, Alabama and Ohio State State among others.

Hill becomes commit No. 26 for head coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans, adding to a class the On3 Industry already ranked No. 1 in the land.

“Really just the people they’re building around it and how the coaches pushed very hard for me,” Hill said of his pledge.

“The culture, L.A., the things L.A. can do for you. It’s a big place and you can make a name for yourself.”

Hill visited the Trojans campus numerous times including twice this spring. He was with Riley and the staff this past weekend for the Trojan Olympics and adds to a terrific defensive back haul that also includes blue-chippers RJ Sermons and Brandon Lockhart at the cornerback position.

“The players, the incoming players in my class, they’ve been on me a lot about it,” Hill said. “Every time I go down I feel at home. They welcomed me with open arms every time.”

Defensive back coaches Doug Belk and Trovon Reed along with Weston Zernechel led the charge in recruiting Hill, but it was a group effort. The trajectory of the program and watching them practice excites Hill about the future.

“I just feel like they bring a lot of juice every day I’m at practice,” Hill said. “It felt like a different type of energy and energy I want to be around.”

Hill says his official visit will be June 6-8 and the only trip he takes.

“I’m shutting down my recruitment.”

USC checked all the boxes for the people close to Hill

Hill’s family loves the decision.

“Everything they’re doing out there is special,” the elder Hill said. “The relationship we have with Coach Riley and Coach Belk, Coach Reed, Coach Wes, Coach Lynn, it just felt right. It just felt like home. We went out there this past weekend and had a meeting with the AD. Everything about it, what they’re doing with the 26 class, it just felt like home out there.

“My son is excited. We’re excited. We can’t wait.

“Then what they have to offer him. The ultimate goal is to play on Sundays but it’s life after football with him going into business real estate. They put us in a room with real estate moguls. Everything aligns. Everything just fits. We got to spend time with some big-time alumni, Real-estate people that are alumni at USC. That was great.”