Jason Zandamela goes in-depth on USC OV, views program as “elite”
Following his official visit, WeAreSC caught with Clearwater (Fla.) Clearwater Academy International four-star interior offensive lineman Jason Zandamela.
Zandamela spoke in-depth about his visit and what the complete experience involved. He also talked about the relationships with Josh Henson and the influence of the presentations given during the weekend.
Following the visit, the Trojans appear to be the team to beat. Scott Schrader was first to log a prediction in favor of USC and I followed up after.
This return visit was to get the full breakdown of what is to offer
Zandamela first visited USC back in April for a spring visit. His experience then, even though short and limited, was one that stuck with him. When asked why he wanted to return to Los Angeles, it was less about football and more about everything else involved.
“All the opportunities USC has to offer,” he started. “Like, it’s not all about football. They have the number one business school in the nation. I want to have a powerful degree so life after football is good for me.”
USC had Chris Carter in to deliver a presentation about the power of the USC degree and the benefits it offers after football is over.
“He was just talking about how that degree is really necessary for when football’s done to just start off your career.”
Zandamela was asked if the conversation was one that stuck out to him and meant something about his process of thinking about USC.
“100%, it just makes me feel a certain way about the program.”
“I’d say Oklahoma did a very good job [with academics], but right now no school has displayed their academics more than USC.”
Once again, Henson has been putting in the work
There have not been many recruits recently that have had not glowing reviews of offensive line coach Josh Henson. Zandamela is no different as he says he and Henson have a strong relationship.
“My relationship with him has been great for the past couple months. Been calling and keeping in contact and just been building this relationship and it’s been great. Him and [the staff] are doing a really good job just communicating and everything.”
Lincoln Riley has also been a key factor in the recruitment of Zandamela and it is standing out.
“He said he wants me here. He really believes that I’m a great fit for the program and I’ll do very good at USC.”
The NIL presentation was a good one
The USC staff made sure to hit every topic including the possibilities that USC is able to market with. Zandamela mentioned some of the current deals the team has in place, but noted more that anything is possible as an athlete at USC.
“Regardless of whatever deals you get when you come in, it’s a land of opportunities. So you can always make more and more.”
What is the main appeal of USC?
Zandamela had a pretty clear answer on why he would be choosing USC if he eventually does.
“It’s just elite football, elite academics, and just overall an elite program, man. I want to be a part of that.”
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