Getting a better understanding of USC’s RB recruiting in 2024

This is a topic I am hitting in abundance today for good reason. Over the past two days, WeAreSC has gotten good info on how the running backs recruiting situation for the Trojans is shaping up as we enter the summer.

As many know, USC will take two running backs in the 2024 class. McKinney (Tex.) four-star Bryan Jackson is already in the class and is locked in. He has a fantastic relationship with running backs coach Kiel McDonald and is thrilled to be with Lincoln Riley at the next level calling plays.

The second spot though has been one that has had two or three names floating around in recent weeks and months.

The possible second back options

Even in the few weeks I have been on the USC coverage, I have seen that there was really only four names that could end up in this class. Bryan Jackson was one and he has since committed and joined the class.

The others were Decatur (Tex.) four-star Nate Palmer, Longview (Tex.) four-star Taylor Tatum, and some rumbles of Mater Dei four-star Nathaniel Frazier, simply because he is local. But the Texas guys for the most part have been the favorites.

That remains the case, but over the past two days, we have possibly gotten some clarity on how it could play out.

Some updates

Scott Schrader got some reliable information this week out of Oklahoma that the Sooners feel good about where they are at with Taylor Tatum. He is currently set to officially visit USC June 2 and then Oklahoma June 9.

At the same time Oklahoma might be picking up momentum with Tatum, it seems USC has taken the lead in the recruitment of Nate Palmer.

After speaking with Palmer and his dad today, if a decision were made today, it would surely be USC.

Palmer’s dad mentioned the a possible reason in a commitment not coming yet is Palmer just making sure what Kiel McDonald is wanting in the duo of he and Jackson together. But according to Nate himself, McDonald has told him he envisions them as the former USC star duo, Reggie Bush and LenDale White. And Palmer himself loves the idea. Palmer even mentioned the term “Thunder and Lightning”.

Looking at the body types and styles of the two, it makes a lot of sense.

Reggie Bush – 6’0, 200 poundsNate Palmer – 5’11, 190 pounds

LenDale White – 6’1, 235 poundsBryan Jackson – 6’1, 232 pounds

Palmer and Jackson go way back

Another interesting nugget in this whole situation is that Palmer and Jackson not only know each other, but have for years.

Palmer told me today they have become good friends, most of which came to be when each of them began to be recruited in eighth grade, going on visits, and participating in camps together.

And who happened to be recruiting both of them since the eighth grade?

That would be Kiel McDonald.

The two of them ending up as a duo in the same class would be a bit of a full circle moment for the two of them.

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