4-Star Edge Jaylen Harvey’s Ready to Commit, Announcement Date Coming Soon
After an August 26 unofficial visit to USC for the San Jose St. game at the Coliseum, 4-Star Edge Jaylen Harvey though he’d be ready to announce his school choice by the third week of the season.
Harvey’s hope back in August was he’d announce at halftime of Quince Orchard’s Sept. 14 matchup against Stone Bridge. Although I knew he wouldn’t announce his school choice, we attended the Stone Bridge game, so did Roy Manning. His hamstring ended giving him issues that night, but he still had a solid performance.
But Harvey’s performance Friday night (10/6) was the best we’ve seen from him, and he’s looked great each time. Harvey led the Cougar defense to night and RB Iverson Howard led the offense. There were many good plays and players from both teams, but Harvey and Howard stood out. In fact, they’ve stood out each week and Quince Orchard is 6-0.
Decision made, announcement coming
After watching Harvey’s impressive performance and Quince Orchard improving to 6-0, we had an opportunity to speak to him. We wanted to get THE LATEST on Harvey’s plans to announce his school choice. WeAreSC wasn’t sure if he was even ready. He attended the Penn St. “White Out” game two weeks ago (9/23).
James Franklin also flew into Gaithersburg (MD) to see Harvey the day before Harvey and his family were in Happy Valley. Franklin was sporting a No. 11 Penn St. jersey. Eleven is Harvey’s preferred number and what he’ll likely be wearing at USC should he choose the Trojans.
“I got a decision for where I’m going, I’m just waiting until my principal tells me what the date is, because I’m supposed to be doing it here at the (football) field. I’ll post the announcement date on Twitter and all that when I know it. It should happen in the next three to four weeks.”
Why it would be USC
USC had gained a lot of momentum with Harvey since his June 16-18 official visit. We haven’t submitted a prediction yet, but likely will when a commitment date is set. The official visit to USC was an eye opener for Harvey and his family, but the August 26 visit did as well. Harvey said it made a big impact on him and his family.
“I wanted to see how the coaches were coaching, live,” said Harvey. “See how they coach my position. That was pretty much it. They were giving the guys who weren’t playing mental reps.”
Harvey said they also had an opportunity to sit in on film sessions, position group preparation and get a true feel for the culture at USC. Harvey and his family left Los Angeles last weekend impressed with what they saw and experienced. It was Jaylen’s third visit.
Harvey shared his thoughts on Lincoln Riley.
“He’s a really big part of my recruitment,” Harvey said. “He’s a very important factor in my decision, because I’m going to spend the next three to four years with him. I feel as though he’s one of the top head coaches in the game right now. Out of everybody, out of all the leagues. I know he’s going to teach me, develop me and help make me a better man on and off the field.”
The USC defense
USC looked much improved defensively in 2023 until the last two games. The defensive performance last week against Colorado was jaw dropping. The Trojans were up by 27 with about 17 minutes left to play, and squeaked out a 48-41 victory in Boulder (CO).
“I watched the entire game,” said Harvey. “They didn’t give up. Even at the end when it got close, they didn’t give up. So they kept showing strength and all that.”
Despite USC’s defensive struggles, Manning and Shaun Nua’s guys have actually been looking really good.
“Yes, they are,” Harvey said. “In practice they’re doing a lot of hand work. That’s key to beating the tackles the guards.”
What USC offers Harvey
“(USC) offers me an opportunity to be a playmaker on the defense,” said Harvey. “I’ll be in coverage, I’ll be in the run game and on passing downs.”
Scott’s Thoughts
When Harvey told me he knows the schools he’ll announce his commitment for, I thought based off everything I’m hearing, it’ll be USC. But Harvey did not reveal the school to us today. My belief it’ll be the Trojans is based off feedback from sources and my conversations with Harvey.
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