USC Recruiting Roundup with Scott Schrader & Dylan Brashier (8/14)

Each week me and our impressive intern from USC’s Anneneberg School of Communications hop on Zoom. At that time we recap some of the interesting USC storylines of the week for our YouTube audience. 

Our primary focus is on recruiting, but we’ll also touch on other topics each week.

In this episode of WeAreSC Recruiting Roundup, WeAreSC’s Scott Schrader and Dylan Brashier discuss:

– Scott’s conversation with Trojan commit Marcelles Williams regarding what USC needs to do to get back on track with recruiting.

– Edge defender Jaylen Harvey included USC in Top 3, along with Penn St and Maryland. Is distance a big factor?

– Linebacker Chris Cole included USC in his Top 6 and set a decision date for September 10th. Does USC have a good chance with him? (Check here for a September official visit update on Cole, which came in after filming: https://www.on3.com/boards/threads/4-…)

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More Impactful, Winning or NIL Opportunities?

Obviously the topic of Manasse Itete and Dakoda Fields decommitting is extremely hot topic, but so was USC missing on Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Dre’lon Miller, Tyanthony Smith, Peyton Woodyard, Marquise Lightfoot, Zabien Brown and others. Most of the momentum gained in June vanished by July. Thankfully for USC fans, the 2023 season begins in 15 days. 

WeAreSC was at St. John Bosco Friday for a scrimmage versus Norco. We asked Marcelles Williams what he thought it’ll take for USC to keep more elite local targets like him at home?

“I mean, USC hasn’t really been what it’s supposed to be these past few years,” Williams said. “So, I think that plays a big part. Like me, I honestly didn’t really grow up with too many really good SC years. I never saw Reggie Bush really play, I just watched highlights. I was born in 2005.”

Just win baby, or NIL offers?

The feeling among most is USC desperately needs a strong showing defensively in 2023 to enhance the recruiting effort. Will a strong showing this season impact recruiting more than NIL offers? Is a more aggressive approach with NIL a bigger deal or more significant, than playing a really good football on Saturdays?

“I mean, at the end of the day, people want to be a part of a winning program,” said Williams. “I think that’s the biggest thing. Like, I feel like most people believe that they’re that guy. That they could get the money by just performing, I feel like that’s a big reason. Like me personally, NIL wasn’t really a big part of my decision.”

4-Star Edge Jaylen Harvey announces USC in top-3

Potomac (Md.) Quince Orchard four-star EDGE Jaylen Harvey revealed a top three of Maryland, Penn State, and USC on Friday. He originally released a top five in June, which also featured the three named above. 

Harvey is the No. 348 overall prospect and No. 27 EDGE in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 99 player in Maryland. 

Harvey was already taken official visits to each of the schools to make his list. In, he first visited Penn State on June 2, followed by USC on June 13, and Maryland on June 23. 

That official visit to USC was a massive success and left the Trojans feeling like they were in a good place moving forward. 

“My interest in USC was already there, but when I went up there, I felt like I was home,” said Harvey about the USC official visit. “I felt like I could be myself up there around the coaches and players. Out of all my official visits, USC was No. 1.

Harvey once planned to announce his commitment on July 4, but eventually decided not to. 

There is a belief among some around him that he may commit this month, most likely before his senior season begins or near the start of the season.

Top-100 LB Chris Cole sets decision date, USC official visit?

Salem (Va.) four-star linebacker Chris Cole has been on the top defensive targets for USC this summer. 

Today, Cole announced he is down to USC, Georgia, Miami, Penn State, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech He also announced he will announce his commitment on Sept. 10.

Cole ranks as the No. 53 player in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 5 linebacker and the No. 1 player in the state of Virginia.

WeAreSC spoke to Cole about his recruitment with USC. The quote gives you a good idea of what approach the staff is taking with Cole. 

“USC is a great program with even better academics! Coach Riley, Coach Odom and Strength Coach Dennis talked about their plan for me as ILB and the individualized plan for development, all prep work for the NFL.”

10 QUESTIONS: Projected #USC Starters for San Jone St., Eddrick Houston, Jaylen Harvey, Jason Zandamela + Top 2025 Targets❕📑✌️https://t.co/45Mk7QeNbX via @On3USC #FightOn

— Scott Schrader (@Scott_Schrader) August 14, 2023