WeAreSC On3 7/19/22: Tackett Curtis Commits, Trojans in the MLB Draft, and Jake Olson's Big Week
WeAreSC On3 is a daily three-point briefing recapping news and notes surrounding USC Athletics. Today, we take a look at USC landing a big commitment from four-star linebacker Tackett Curtis, a couple of Trojans being selected in the MLB Draft, and a big week for former USC long snapper Jake Olson.
Tackett Curtis Commits
USC picked up a huge commitment on Monday from four-star linebacker Tackett Curtis.
Hailing from Many, Louisiana, On3 Consensus ranks Curtis as a top 100 player and a top ten linebacker in the class of 2023. He chose the Trojans over soon-to-be Big Ten foes Ohio State and Wisconsin.
Curtis becomes USC’s twelfth commit in the 2023 class, but just the fourth on the defensive side of the ball. He is Lincoln Riley’s fourth-highest-rated commit in the class, and the highest-rated on defense.
Trojans in the MLB Draft
Monday afternoon, two Trojans heard their names called in the MLB Draft.
First, shortstop D’Andre Smith was selected by the New York Mets in the fifth round. In addition, pitcher Matt Keating went in the ninth round to New York’s other team, the Yankees.
In a weird twist that pretty much sums up college athletics in 2022, both Smith and Keating entered the NCAA Transfer Portal earlier this offseason. Keating has since committed to North Carolina, while Smith remains uncommitted. Both players will now have the option to either continue their collegiate careers or turn professional.
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Jake Olson’s Big Week
It’s a big week for former USC blind long snapper Jake Olson. Olson, an avid golfer, is playing in the inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open.
Despite his sight issues, Olson grew up a huge USC fan, and loved attending Trojan Football games. In 2009, the then-twelve year-old was invited by Pete Carroll to spend time around the team.
When Olson arrived at USC as a freshman in 2015, then-coach Steve Sarkisian gave him the opportunity to walk on to the football team. In 2017, he became the first blind person to play in a Division 1 football game when he snapped for a PAT during USC’s season opener against Western Michigan.
