Edge DJ Peevy Commits to USC
USC took a couple swings at prospects from Lincoln High School in San Diego in the 2022 class, but saw both Jalil Tucker and Jahlil Florence sign with Oregon. They also had an opportunity to gain a commitment from 2023 Lincoln RB Roderick Robinson, but preferred Texas running backs Quinten Joyner and A’Marion Peterson.
Lincoln’s one of those schools in San Diego where it greatly benefits a college football program to build a pipeline with. Perhaps building that pipeline began today with the commitment of talented Lincoln Edge DJ Peevy. Peevy announced his commitment to the Trojans at 5:30pm PT.
Peevy shared why USC was the choice on Tuesday afternoon after Lincoln’s practice.
“Definitely the connection I have with the coaching staff, the DC (Alex Grinch), my position coach (Roy Manning), the head coach (Lincoln Riley), the relationship I have with the players, the game atmosphere and academically they’re No. 1 in almost everything,” said Peevy.
Riley made Lincoln HS a priority Day One
A few days after Lincoln Riley arrived in Los Angeles, WR Coach Dennis Simmons was on campus at Lincoln HS. Outside Linebackers Coach Roy Manning also visited that week, leaving no doubt USC wouldn’t neglect San Diego.
USC hadn’t spent significant energy recruiting Lincoln’s talented dudes, but immediately made a move to get back in front in early December. Lincoln’s a school that continues to produce big-time prospects. In Coach Jason Carter’s five years at the school, the Hornets have sent more than 40 kids on to play college football. They have 15 seniors heading off to play college ball after this season. Impressive to say the least.
On March 3 the Trojans hosted a group of about a dozen prospects from Lincoln. On that day they offered 2023 linebacker Peevy.
Another Young & Talented Edge Target
Peevy remained a top Edge prospect for Manning and the Trojans since offering in March. There’s a lot to like with Peevy, too. He’s already 6-4 and 235 pounds and didn’t hit his 17th birthday until after four or five games this season.
Recent USC Edge commit Braylan Shelby turned 17 on August 10. So, both kids are on the young side compared to most 2023 prospects.
What’s crazy about Peevy is he’s athletically gifted enough to play wide receiver or cornerback per Carter. And he’s playing on both sides of the ball this season.
WeAreSC submitted USC prediction in August
The relationships Peevy’s built with Riley and his staff has resulted in very strong interest. In fact, we believed the interest was strong enough to submit a prediction for USC on Sunday (8/14). We increased our confidence level to 70% this week and stopped by to talk to Peevy Tuesday afternoon.
Peevy will announce his school choice at 5:30pm Thursday and will choose among USC, Oregon and Washington. He shared what he’s seeing and feeling from USC a day ahead of his announcement.
“It feels like a great place to be,” said Peevy. “When I went to the game (ASU), it was so hyped. It felt like a great atmosphere for college football…any type of football. Being from Southern California the environment is natural for me.”
Coach Roy Manning Factor
“Me and Roy Manning are really tight,” Peevy said. “I have a great relationship. We kind of share a lot of the same things like our lifestyle, family stuff and we also play the same position. We both play the same position and he coaches my position.”
Although Manning was in Texas last week during the Bye Week, USC Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch was at Lincoln’s game last Friday night.
Lincoln Riley
“Coach Riley is also very important with my recruitment,” Peevy said. “Me and his talk a lot. He was very important from the start. Ever since I took the unofficial visit in March with my team he’s been on top of me. That’s the day I got offered too.”
