WeAreSC Road Trip: Where We're at Thursday & Friday Night

Two weeks ago WeAreSC was at Good Counsel in Olney (MD) on Friday night and Quince Orchard to see USC Edge target Jaylen Harvey’s game on Saturday. Last Friday we were down in Roanoke (VA) to see LB Chris Cole and then watched the Trojans open up Pac-12 play against Stanford on Saturday.

This week we’ll be at three games, potentially more. All depends on the mood and how much college football I plan to watch. Tonight I’ll travel to Gaithersburg (MD) to see Harvey again. On Friday I’ll be in Cheshire (CT) to see USC Edge commit Elijah Newby. Cheshire is about 40 minutes south of Hartford. Marshall will be in Desoto, Texas, to see 2025 running back target Deondrae ‘Tiger’ Riden. Desoto is also home to 2027 wide receiver target Ethan Feaster.

It’ll be our third time seeing Harvey play this season and our first se eing Newby in any environment. Newby was one of the many June/July commits for the Trojans this summer. While he is ranked among the Top 250 prospects in the nation, Newby’s ranked a bit higher by USC than the rankings services.

It’ll be our third time seeing Harvey play this season and our first se eing Newby in any environment. Newby was one of the many June/July commits for the Trojans this summer. While he is ranked among the Top 250 prospects in the nation, Newby’s ranked a bit higher by USC than the rankings services.

Just a reminder, Newby had official visits set up to Penn St., South Carolina and Stanford for after his USC visit. He cancelled all visits after his verbal commitment to the Trojans.

Newby’s Athleticism

Marshall Levenson added his thoughts on Newby after he verbally committed in June.

“I had not watched much of Elijah Newby prior to today. But my goodness, do we have any athlete on our hands here. The size here is clearly something to like at 6-foot-3, and around 210 pounds, meaning he is a true linebacker size and could get up to 225-235 after some time in the weight room in the future. But his athleticism is beyond impressive for his size. Newby runs in the 10.5 second range in the 100 meter dash, which at 210 pounds is elite speed. That’s moving.

“A source close to the USC recruitment of Newby described him as a “freak”, which is always want you want to hear. 

“Newby also reports running in the low 4.6’s in the 40-yard dash. The speed shows up on film, he is a sideline to sideline defender and jets past defenders with ease.”

Film Evaluation – Newby

Newby is about as versatile as the come. Because of his speed, he is able to dominate from the middle of the field, getting to his spots before anyone else. He is also able to move down and rush the passer from the edge. He really doesn’t have a pass rush arsenal right now, simply just relying on speed and size to bully his way through. If rushing the edge does become a skill of his at the next level, he will add some moves that will surely make him a weapon. 

What impressed me the most is when I saw Newby lining up at nickel corner, covering slot receivers on his own. Typically, someone of his size is not as athletic or quick to keep up with smaller inside receivers, but he dominates it. He tracks the ball and is able to make a play on the ball, securing some pass deflections. He has the ability to drop in a full back pedal in coverage and change direction quickly. 

Newby is a plus tackler, always around the ball and has some pop in his shoulder pads. He diagnoses plays well and even if he’s not the one making the play, he’s helping affect it in some way.

Harvey Announcing?

Although a date’s not set yet for Harvey to announce his school choice, he should be visiting Penn St. next weekend and then announcing soon after. Right now we believe the Trojans are the clear leader, but he’s still got another visit to a school he’s been very high on for several years.

Possibly Good Counsel Saturday

Our Lady Good Counsel plays in Baltimore Saturday and we may make the hour drive to see them play again. Good Counsel is one of the premier programs on the West Coast. 2025 4-Star Safety Faheem Delane is the top target there for USC.