USC Trojans Four-Star Cornerback Recruit Micah Hannah Gets Candid About Family Legacy

Simi Valley (Calif.) 2028 four-star cornerback Micah Hannah grew up wearing his dad’s USC jersey around the house.

Travis Hannah was a two-sport star in football and track for the Trojans in the early 1990s. He played wide receiver and was an All-American sprinter before being drafted by the Houston Oilers in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft. The younger Hannah picked up an offer from his father’s alma mater during a visit last spring.

USC Trojans Micah Hannah NFL Draft Spring Practice Visit Danny Lang Aaryn Washington Madden Riordan Recruiting Gary Patterson — Sep 30, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley during the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Chet Strange-Imagn Images | Chet Strange-Imagn Images

“It’s the hometown. Staying close to family, that’s what I want to do. I’m a big family guy,” Hannah said.

And despite his father’s legacy, Hannah hasn’t felt the pressure from his dad to lean one way in his recruitment but it is something he’s keeping in the back of his mind.

“He tried to not to force it onto me too much,” Hannah said. “Tried to let me grow into my own person but following in his footsteps is important to me.”

Return Visit to USC and Relationship with Trovon Reed

Hannah attended USC’s 12th practice this spring on Tuesday. It was his first time back on campus since watching the Trojans rout Michigan on Oct. 11. A game that Hannah describes as a “crazy atmosphere” at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Trojans were back in pads as they entered its final week of practice and Hannah left impressed by what he saw.

“It was very intense. Everyone had great energy,” Hannah said. “That showed how fun it gets and how hyped up everyone is to practice with each other and build as a team.”

The day began with the local two-way star attending the cornerbacks meeting under coach Trovon Reed and see up-close how the players in the room interact with each other.

“Everyone in their felt like family,” Hannah said. “Being able to and see how they bond with each other and go over everything together really showed how I can fit in there with them.”

Recruits have raved about Reed’s authenticity. It’s something the Trojans 35-year-old coach takes pride in. He’s passionate about what he does as a coach but also building a personal relationship with recruits.

“He’s more on the younger side which I like,” Hannah said. “I feel like I can relate with him. Good role model. I was in the corner meeting and just the way he coaches and relates the kids really plays a big part. I think he’s a big factor.

“Watching the practice, he coaches up the little details which are really important. He really coaches them up and gets them right.”

Tuesday’s visit also gave the four-star cornerback the opportunity to be around new USC defensive coordinator Gary Patterson for the first time. The 2026 Hall of Fame electee is constantly on the move during the practice and spoke with Hannah multiple times when he was bouncing around.

Southern California Roots

USC Trojans general manager Chad Bowden hired from Notre Dame Fighting Irish | USC Trojans Video Youtube

Similar to most USC recruits in Southern California, Hannah grew up playing with and against other top prospects in the area, from youth football to 7-on-7 tournaments. Some players include freshman cornerback Brandon Lockhart and safety Madden Riordan, as well as 2027 Mater Dei (Calif.) four-star cornerback commit Danny Lang and IMG Academy four-star cornerback commit Aaryn “J.O.” Washington, a Southern California native.

“Seeing guys that I played against, played and trained with at USC right now as freshman that really puts into my mind where I want to be at as a freshman in college,' Hannah said.

Assistant general manager Dre Brown is also involved in his recruitment. General manager Chad Bowden watched Hannah play live last season when he faced off against freshman running back Deshonne Redeaux, who was playing at Oaks Christian (Calif.). Hannah has taken notice of Bowden putting an emphasis on recruiting Southern California.

“I like what he’s doing. Getting all the Cali guys. That’s building the chemistry for sure," Hannah said.

Hannah plans to return to one of the Trojans summer camps again this year to workout in front of the coaching staff. Last year, he was part of the same group as freshman cornerback Elbert "Rock" Hill. They both had the opportunity to workout with Pittsburgh Steelers three-time first team All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who was on campus at the time.

West Coast Recruiting Interest

Hannah has been a frequent visitor at Arizona for spring games, practices and gamedays in the fall. He’s been down there around seven or eight times and is returning on Wednesday.

“Arizona was my first offer, so I always have to show them a lot of love because they are really what started my recruitment,” Hannah said. “Every time they invite me down, I have to get there for sure. It’s a big college town, they have great fans. Coach Chip [Viney] is my guy. I have great connection with him, that’s like family.”

Hannah attended Cal’s “Premier Day” at the end of January and got an extended look at the football program and the school.

“I have a good connection with coach [Da’Von] Brown,” Hannah said. “He’s a good guy. They have great academics which is important to me.”

He says that USC, Cal and Arizona have been showing him the most love during his recruiting process so far. Sacramento State will get a visit from him this month. Alonzo Carter was hired as the Hornets head coach in December. He was the coach that offered him at Arizona. UCLA is another local school that has Hannah's attention.

“Close to home, great academics. Even though I come from a USC family, I’m not throwing UCLA out the picture,” Hannah said.

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