It's a USC-Texas Battle for Texas Edge Braylan Shelby
USC pursued several Top Rated 2022 Edge prospects last year in Omari Arbor, Cyrus Moss, David Bailey and DJ Wesolak, but narrowly missed on signing Moss (Miami) and Bailey (Stanford). The Trojans could’ve signed Wesolak,but Riley and staff chose not to pursue and he signed with the home school Missouri.
The Trojans did sign Devan Thompkins from Stockton (CA). What stands out most about 6-6 and 225 pound Thompkins, is he’s an extremely young and raw football player. He’s nowhere near reaching his ceiling physically or from a football player perspective.
We believe he could end up the steal of this recruiting class based off his potential size and athleticism. But USC will definitely sign a few of the Top Edge prospects in 2023.
A few of them visited in the Spring and then took official visits in June, including On3 Consensus 4-Star Edge Braylan Shelby from Friendswood (TX). Shelby is at the top of the recruiting board with Edge targets.
On Wednesday Shelby revealed USC and Texas were his Final 2 schools. It’s been trending that way for several months, but some thought Texas A&M could become a factor after offering Shelby in May.
Shelby’s unofficial USC visit was eye opening and led to him returning June 16-19 for an official visit that almost made a significant impact.
“Last night I was talking with a group of guys and we were saying how we could really change things around at USC and stuff like that,” said Shelby after his USC Official Visit.
The USC official visit was nearly a month ago now. Although the initial post-visit buzz has subsided, the impact of the visit hasn’t. The Trojans and Texas will be battling it out for Shelby until he announces his school choice. Shelby told us that decision will likely come in early August or at least before his senior season begins next month.
SCOTT SCHRADER AND BRAYLAN SHELBY Q&A
SS: You said you’ll end up at the school you feel most at home. How does USC make you feel at home with it being 1,573 miles away from Friendswood (TX)?
BS: “The coaches is definitely one thing. They really embrace you, especially Coach (Lincoln) Riley and Coach (Roy) Manning. It’s something amazing really The atmosphere there, the family and it’s really something different.”
SS: You’ve also become god friends with some of the USC recruits. Is that also adding to your strong interest?
BS: “I talk to them about once a day. Zachary Branch, Malachi Nelson and some of the other recruits I was with on the official visit. We really loved it and feel we can make that place home. But it just comes down to our final schools and see how we feel about it.”
SS: What is it about the defensive scheme at USC that makes it a great fit for you?
BS: “I feel I’m good playing in coverage, I like playing in open space, but I also like being a standup rusher. I could put my hand on the ground too, but I love being a standup rusher with my explosiveness. I really like the scheme at USC and the weak-side position I’d play in it.
“Every now and then I’d take a running back one-on-one, drop in coverage and rush the passer. That’s definitely a few reasons I love the scheme at USC.”
SS: Have you looked into how NFL teams are using guys with your size and athleticism?
BS: “I’d say I’m a little more athletic than my brother, but he does move well for his size. They’re (Chargers) using him as a 3-4 outside linebacker which I like that a lot. That or a 4-3 Edge is what I like best.”
SS: What is it about Texas that makes you feel at home and that you’d develop into an NFL player there?
BS: “It’s close to home for one, but really the fans, the coaches and players. When I went on my official I spent a lot of time with the players. You could see how they acted like a family together. You can see how they’re trying to bring the program back to what it once was. They’ve been recruiting me pretty hard to come there as well.”
SS: One of the hottest topics right now is Name, Image & Likeness and the opportunities that come from that. How much has USC or Texas discussed that stuff?
BS: “I don’t really know yet. NIL isn’t really too big for me right now, but I know it’s going to be something once I get there.”
SS: Roy Manning has put a lot of effort into recruiting you at USC, but he started pursuing before USC right?
BS: “Back when he was at Oklahoma he got in contact with me. Once he made the switch to USC, that’s when he came down to the school. He offered me and let me know how he feels about me and how I’d fit into the defense. I’ve been to USC twice now and both times he was really selling me on how I’d fit playing the position they plan for me. Use my size, athleticism and really be a game changer.
“I really like the vision they have for me and I can definitely see myself in that program.”
SS: If USC were to ultimately be the choice, what would be a few main reasons why?
BS:“First of all the degree. My mom is very high on academics. At USC you get the best combination of academics and football. And I really feel we can rebuild the program with Malachi Nelson, Zach Branch and the others. They only signed seven guys in the last class and that also gives me a great opportunity to compete to play early.“
