More than 150 recruits were on hand at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday for the USC spring game, an indication that the Trojans and their new coaching staff are again drawing plenty of interested eyes.
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Iman Marshall, the No. 20 overall prospect, is one of many recruits who visited USC for its spring game on Saturday.
Perhaps the most striking interaction came when USC quarterback commit Ricky Town arrived on the sideline and made sure the first recruit he greeted was four-star cornerback Iman Marshall, another top priority for the Trojans. Town intends to be a major recruiter in the 2015 class, and there might not be a more prized target than Marshall, so Town’s beeline toward him was meaningful in many ways.
Defensive lineman Noah Jefferson of Las Vegas Liberty was the biggest out-of-state recruit to make an appearance. USC has not offered Jefferson a scholarship, but there is significant interest from both sides. Jacob Daniel was another highly-rated defensive lineman in attendance.
Offensive tackle Roy Hemsley spearheaded a group of linemen that also included Zach Robertson, Bar Milo and 2016 standout Frank Martin II. Hemsley, who sits atop USC’s board at his position, was impressed by the vibe.
“What stood out to me was how big the support system is, especially since the spring game is just a live practice,” Hemsley said. “They have continued to recruit me and let me know I'm very high on their radar.”
Inside linebacker Cameron Smith might have been the most analytical recruit at the Coliseum, using the opportunity to check out USC’s depth at his position.
“They don't have many guys at inside linebacker, especially not run-stoppers,” Smith said. “I loved the tempo and coaching staff. Everything was great. I felt some love and attention; coach Peter Sirmon was even explaining what my role would be on some plays during 7-on-7. That was cool as well.”
Defensive back might have been the most loaded group, with Marshall, Marvell Tell, DeChaun Holiday, Isaiah Langley, Colin Samuel and Jihree Stewart leading the long list. Brandon Burton, Micah Croom and C.J. Pollard represented the 2016 class.
“I love the atmosphere that they create when they are out there,” said Stewart, who has drawn comparisons to USC signee John Plattenburg. “It seems like a great place for football. I spoke with coach Keith Heyward and they are going to come watch me practice in the next couple weeks.”
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As for the offensive skill positions, wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown, running back Malik Lovette and 2016 athlete Dylan Crawford were some of the notable names.
“The atmosphere was very intense,” St. Brown said. “I talked to coach Steve Sarkisian, coach Tee Martin and a couple others. Coach Martin told me they have only offered six wide receivers, and I’m one of the big ones.”
Local defensive end Christian Rector had to leave early, so he didn’t have similar conversations with the staff. But he has been hearing his share of recruiting pitches from former high school teammate Chris Brown, a four-star offensive tackle who signed with the Trojans in February.
“My takeaway was probably seeing the coaches react with the players and watching the defense in action,” Rector said. “Chris and I always talk about USC, and he seems really excited about attending in the fall. I don’t have a timeline for a decision yet, though. I’m still open.”
WeAreSC recruiting roundup
" Keisean Lucier-South visited campus on Friday for the first time since the coaching change, getting a tour of the facilities and academic buildings. The highly-rated defensive end said he thoroughly enjoyed his conversations with the coaches, who assured him he is one of their “top guys to get,” regardless of position.
" UCLA running back commit Bolu Olorunfunmi of Fresno (Calif.) Clovis North took in the game. USC has not offered the three-star prospect a scholarship, but he emerged as a potential target shortly after national signing day. The Trojans did not sign a running back in the 2014 class.
" No. 3-rated offensive tackle Chuma Edoga, who visited campus earlier this month, wrote on his Twitter account he would announce a commitment on Monday afternoon, with USC being among the four finalists along with Georgia, Tennessee and Stanford.
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