10 QUESTIONS: Justus Terry, Dakorien Moore, Bryce Foster, Brandon Lockhart, USC Transfer Portal DL Targets, Top Deciding Factors for Recruits + More
On Tuesday night (5/21), our WeAreSC Subscribers submitted questions for THE LATEST edition of the USC Trojans Football AND Recruiting Q&A.
This is a feature we did weekly throughout the USC football season and will continue up until the February 2025 signing period.
All questions were submitted on our “WeAreSC Members Only” Forum.
WEARESC SUBSCRIBER QUESTIONS
Your favorite 2025 recruits that you would prioritize if you were USC?
If I had to choose one on offense and one on defense, I’d start with Justus Terry for the defensive player. Easy choice for me.
Of all the guys I’ve now seen in person, and there are several in the Elite category, Terry is the top defensive lineman for me from the 2025 recruiting class. His size and athleticism is crazy impressive. He’s gonna be a big problem for most offensive linemen at the next level 1on1.
So you put Terry with Isaiah Gibson, Gus Cordova and few other guys Coach Henny’s (Eric Henderson) pursuing this cycle, and it’s an immediate game changer defensively should the Trojans sign these guys.
On offense the guy I’d be all over is 5-Star Duncanville (TX) WR Dakorien Moore.
Justus Terry again. #Explosive pic.twitter.com/VZUzDN2SJo— Trent Smallwood (@SmallwoodTrent) February 18, 2024
Based on your conversations with coaches, players, or associates, is the coaching staff as worried about our ability to stop the run as everyone on this board seems to be?
The USC coaches aren’t unconcerned about any aspect of the defense, but they definitely have more confidence in the current personnel than fans do.
I’ve heard the phrase the coaches weren’t that interested in that player when it comes to defensive line Transfer Portal guys. Are they saying there was nobody out there as good as Kobe Pepe? I can’t believe there weren’t guys out there that can help us without paying over $1 million.
There were basically four defensive line transfers Eric Henderson was genuinely interested in. Simeon Barrow, Jay Toia, Derrick Harmon and Gavin Meyer. We can add Tyler Baron to that list, but he’s really an outside guy and a Shaun Nua recruit.
But none of the guys were worth 1.5m in the minds of the USC staff for a variety of reasons. It’s not an ideal situation to play a bunch of true freshmen defensive linemen, but that’s probably what will happen in 2024. I DO NOT have confirmation that’s the plan as of May 23 though.
What’s the back story on Deijon Laffitte transferring out? Seems like he had a golden opportunity to earn playing time this season.
The belief was Fresno State was a better opportunity than USC from a playing time perspective.
In the past we have seen Tight Ends get converted into Left or Right Tackles. Don’t think I’ve seen that happen in a while, do you see any merit in converting any of our TEs or have you seen any recruits that may fit that mold?
I haven’t seen any USC Tight End or a current recruit that made me think, “Man, he’d make a great offensive tackle.”
Could you rank these for the top rated HS recruits that you talk to when deciding where they sign their NLI? If you feel comfortable doing this for TP recruiting, please rank those as well separately.
NIL Collective contract (pay for play, not NIL endorsements)
Location, conference travel and potential for NIL marketing endorsements
Education and post playing career opportunities
Tradition and past players with collegiate and/or NFL success
Development Plan / Coaching / Scheme
Facilities and player perks
For the most part, nothing matters more than NFL development for the elite prospects. After that it’s NIL, with a significant drop-off with the other aspects.
I’m not going to rank them, because it’s different for each kid after NFL development and NIL. But those are clearly the Top two factors that go into a school decision. Location is likely No. 3, but that doesn’t matter like it used to.
Would USC circle back to guys they missed on after these OV’s (Mikhail, Dijon, Pettijohn) assuming these guys committed elsewhere. I know Lee has been anti USC since the staff change, but if we play well we definitely should reconnect with the 5 star imo.
The recruiting process for most of the 2025 prospects ends in early December, so what’s happening now can be vastly different than then. It will all come down to the quality of football season USC has, just like it will for Oregon, Washington and other B1G programs.
Just win baby!!
How likely would it be that “Famous Amos” Talalele will be moved to NG? He did initially commit to CAL as a NG prior to flipping to USC.
At one time I thought it would be more liely to see Alani Noa make that move than Amos Talalele, but I’ve heard nothing to date that leads me to believe it will happen with either.
What’s the latest on Bryce Foster? Would be a big get or are we totally committed to Jonah Monheim at center?
I don’t know what the latest is with Bryce Foster and his decision timeline, but he would come in at USC as an Offensive Guard in 2024 and slide to Center in 2025.
What’s up with Brandon Lockhart recruitment? It seems like the kid wants to be at SC but the new staff is having troubles maintaining that relationship.
At this time I’m not sure how big of a priority Brandon Lockhart is with the new staff.
What is the coaching staff doing right now in between the end of the spring game and summer practice resuming? Haven’t heard if they are on the recruiting trail?
The USC coaching staff is out on the road visiting high schools each week until the end of May. For example, Eric Henderson has visited nearly every top defensive line target the past three weeks, except a few. This week Coach Henny has been in Alabama hitting up Jared Smith, Malik Autry and a few others.
Is USC still in contact with Daryus Dixson? could pair well with Chuck McDonald considering I assume we lead.
Haven’t heard much about USC really pursuing Daryus Dixson.
What has been the perception of Matt Entz among LB recruits?
Matt Entz hasn’t made the splash with recruits Eric Henderson has, but I’ve heard a lot of really favorable feedback regarding Matt Entz. He’ll need to be on his “A” game next month.
Do you think Anthony Lucas will move from DE to DL due to the depth concerns on the inside and what might be his natural position?
As of today I don’t know what the plan for Anthony Lucas is. That plan may be impacted by who’s added to the roster between now and Summer. I don’t believe Anthony’s best spot is on the outside though.
How often are academics the untold reason that a recruit is either is not interested in being a Trojan or the coaches don’t pursue them?
Honestly, it’s not that often, but it does happen from time to time.
There’s a current USC player who would’ve had 50 offers if it weren’t for his precarious situation with academics, but he’s on the roster and will be an impact player this season.
I hear more about issues with transfers and specific required courses they’re missing, than anything else.
Nation's No. 1 Ranked Player DL Jahkeem Stewart's Back at #USC in June for Time in 2024Relationship with Coach Henny and Opportunities for NFL Development Keys to Stewart’s Strong Interest in the Trojans https://t.co/iLUuo6Mc5O via @On3USC #FightOn pic.twitter.com/qZa793aI8m— Scott Schrader (@SSchraderOn3) May 19, 2024
The post 10 QUESTIONS: Justus Terry, Dakorien Moore, Bryce Foster, Brandon Lockhart, USC Transfer Portal DL Targets, Top Deciding Factors for Recruits + More appeared first on On3.
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