USC Emerges as Strong Option for Ohio St. CB Commit Jontae Gilbert

Atlanta (Ga.) Douglass four-star cornerback Jontae Gilbert received an offer from USC earlier this year on February 28. Gilbert is the No. 24 overall prospect and No. 3 Safety in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 7 ranked player in Georgia.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder has been committed to Ohio State since last July 29, but for a stretch he’d pinned the USC offer announcement to the top of his Twitter page. We definitely don’t depend on social media for recruiting intel, but it’s unwise to discount what Gilbert did.

WeAreSC traveled to Atlanta on May 19 for the Frederick Douglass Spring Game. We spoke to Gilbert about his busy visit schedule ahead, including a trip to Los Angeles (CA) to check out USC in June. Although he didn’t have a date set for the USC visit 10 days ago, Gilbert made it to USC for his first visit on Wednesday June 14.

USC makes huge impact

Although Gilbert’s said USC was his dream school, he hadn’t ever visited. He’d never even been to Los Angeles until this week. Now he’s taken the first USC visit and it left an extremely strong impression.

I had to take it all in, I loved that visit,” said Gilbert. “It really stood up out for me. I feel USC’s up there with Ohio St., if not above Ohio St. right now. They kept it real with me. You know, they don’t sugarcoat nothing. They tell the truth, they keep it straight up with the guys and I love that.”

Donte Williams

One of the primary reasons for Gilbert’s interest in USC is defensive backs coach Donte Williams.

I mean it’s better opportunities for me, I can get a great education there and play for the best defensive backs coach in America…Coach Donte Williams,” Gilbert said. “He keeps it real with me and tells me the truth. I feel like he’s the best defensive backs coach right now in college football. We have great conversations every time we talk.”

Recruits will often watch film while on unofficial and official visits, but Coach Donte and Gilbert watched Douglass HS practice film shot by Donte.

“He actually recorded me at practice when he came to visit me. Oh really? We watched that and talked about it yesterday.”

Lincoln Riley

“He’s a cool guy, a chill guy and I really like that,” Gilbert said. “He keep it straight up with us, you know, I really love him. Coach Riley really saying he’s really big on me and I’m at the top of his board. He’s one of the top three coaches college football right now.”

University of Southern California

Gilbert is from Atlanta, so he’s very familiar with what it’s like in a large city. He’s visited Georgia Tech numerous times and its in the heart of the city.

“It was great getting to see the whole campus,” said Gilbert. “Even though it’s small, I liked it a lot. I got to see the business school and psychology school, so that’s good too.”

USC visit stood out

There’s was little doubt the USC visit made a significant impact on Gilbert after a minute talking to him. He spent a total of five hours with his aunt at USC on Wednesday. One of the hours was spent with Lincoln Riley.

“I’ve never talked to a head coach for an hour,” said Gilbert. “I also got to spend time with the players, Domani Jackson and Calen Bullock. I talk to talk to them a lot.”

Defensive fit

Obviously players are attracted to schemes that are great fits for their style of the play. Not only does Gilbert said USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch believes he can cone in and play early. Physically, Gilbert will definitely be ready to contribute as a true freshman. He already has impressive cover skills and he’s a willing tackler.

The Trojans are trying to stock the defensive backs room with long, physical, smart and high character players. Gilbert checks all the boxes for the Trojans.

Scott’s Thoughts

Gilbert committed to Ohio State very early in the process. His commitment came prior to him visited quite a few schools and there are still numerous visits he plans to take. There’s been some buzz among industry insiders that Gilbert may be far more open to other schools than some believe.

After his first visit, USC may have positioned itself as the school to beat down the road. There’s still a long ways to go with Gilbert’s recruitment, but pursuit has really picked up in 2023. Will be interesting what we’re saying about Gilbert a year from now.

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