Remember when USC was consistently one of the top football programs in the nation? The days of Pete Caroll, Reggie Bush, Clay Matthews, and even Mark Sanchez seem like forever ago. While they used to attract the top talents in the game, the years haven’t been kind to the program. The Trojans 2020 recruiting class was the worst in its history after finishing 55th in the nation and 10th in the PAC-12. The good news? It seems like those days are starting to fade away.
After a complete overhaul, USC has brought in some highly regarded recruiters and coaches, which will pay off in the years to come. As of this moment, USC is the proud owner of a top 5 spot for next year’s recruitment class. While there is still plenty to be decided, this is quite an accomplishment for the new and improved Trojans. Let’s break down a few key players that have committed thus far.
Key 2021 Commits
Four-Star QB Jake Garcia(La Habra)
Garcia is the No. 89 overall prospect in the class. He has excellent size at 6’3″ and 188 lbs, and has been a key recruiter for the Trojans. He actually ranks as a 5-star recruit in many rankings, making him a key grab for the program.
Four-Star OLB Ma’a Gaoteote(St. John Bosco)
Gaoteote is another 4-star recruit who committed back in 2018 to the program. As the No. 90 overall prospect, he is a key piece for the 2021 Trojans. His physical style of play should bode well for USC.
Four-Star S Anthony Beavers(Narbonne)
Beavers is currently listed as just an athlete, but the plan is for him to play safety for the Trojans. Beavers was originally committed to Oregon but switched over to USC after they hired his original recruiter, Donte Williams.
Four-Star DT Jay Toia(Grace Brethren)
Toia is another prospect who committed early on to USC. Back in 2018, he attended the Elite camp and let his intentions be known right away. As the No. 170 overall prospect, his talent is clearly visible, but he has some growth to make. He can play on both sides of the ball, but his future seems to be at DT.
What This Means for USC
Overall, the Trojans currently have 6 four-star commitments and 3 three-star commitments for 2021. As signing season gets closer, we may see their national rank rise or fall, but one this is clear: the Trojans are back.
To add some fuel to the fire, news broke out earlier today that the No. 1 recruit for 2021 has de-committed from Clemson. His reasoning? To play closer to his home in California.
Korey Foreman, the No. 1 player in the Class of 2021, has decommitted from Clemson, a person with direct knowledge tells The Athletic. Distance from home played a factor for the defensive end and California native.
Story coming within the hour.
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) April 21, 2020
The Corona, CA native hasn’t indicated where he plans to sign, but USC is among the schools to pursue the Defensive End. If the Trojans find a way to bring him home, Southern California could once again be at the top.
