Prediction: USC Trojans to land elite Texas defensive back

SBLive Sports director of recruiting Andrew Nemec makes a prediction in USC's favor
Prediction: USC Trojans to land elite Texas defensive back
Prediction: USC Trojans to land elite Texas defensive back /

Whether it has come through the NCAA's transfer portal or the traditional recruiting trail, the USC Trojans have been red-hot when it comes to adding talent to their football program.

And Lincoln Riley and his coaching staff are showing no signs of slowing down.

Coppell High School (Texas) defensive back Braxton Myers has accumulated more than 30 scholarship offers, but is down to a final seven of Auburn, Arkansas, California, Clemson, LSU, Ole Miss and USC, and has set a college decision date for May 16: 

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound athlete has scheduled four official visits, but also indicated he may cancel summer trips to the schools he doesn't end up choosing later this month. 

Myers has plans to take official visits to California (May 12), Clemson (June 3), Ole Miss (June 10) and USC (June 16).

But following his trip to USC for the spring game, the Trojans have emerged as his top suitor. 

Prediction: Myers to USC

One of the major factors currently in USC's favor is the relationship Riley's staff has built with the Texas star over the years. 

"My relationship with them ever since they were at Oklahoma... I've been able to talk to them a lot," Myers said. "They've been a part of my recruiting process since my freshman year. When they went out to USC they continued to build that relationship. We've been talking and I like the plan on how they are going to develop me as a player on and off the field."

While his mind isn't yet completely made up, he feels that a decision is beginning to take shape.

"I kind of feel like I know, but I haven't said anything to any coaches yet," he said. "I'm not 100 percent sure." 

Rated the nation's No. 8 safety, Myers said the vast majority of the schools recruiting him, including USC, view him as a cornerback.

Given that it's his primary position in high school, that suits him well.  

USC has six commitments in the class of 2023 - Los Alamitos (California) five-star quarterback Malachi Nelson, Bishop Gorman (Nevada) five-star wide receiver Zachariah Branch, Los Alamitos (California) five-star athlete Makai Lemon, Manor (Texas) four-star running back Quinten Joynerand Hirschi (Texas) four-star running back A'Marion Peterson and Rancho Cucamonga (California) three-star safety Christian Pierce.

A commitment from Myers would move USC's class from No. 10 nationally to No. 8, jumping Baylor and Louisville in the process. 

Here's what 247Sports had to say, in part, in its scouting report on Myers:

"Myers can add more mass to an already defined frame. He has solid quickness and c.o.d with a good job of back pedaling and staying square with the receiver. Well coached in his technique with good eye placement in zone coverage along with using his length in press man to knock receivers off their timing. Does a nice job of leveraging the receivers and staying in phase and on top of the route. He can track the ball as well as having above average ball skills. Does a good job of getting off the stalk block. Closes fast to either make the tackle or to be a factor in the run game where he is a strong tackler. Does a very good job of keying and reacting to the play." 

Junior season highlights


Published
Andrew Nemec, SBLive Sports
ANDREW NEMEC, SBLIVE SPORTS

Andrew Nemec covers national high school recruiting and brings more than a decade of experience. Andrew hosts "Recruiting with Andrew Nemec" on ESPN-affiliate 1080 The FAN in Portland, Oregon. He holds a journalism degree from the University of Oregon.