USC Incoming Freshmen Arrive on Campus
The significant number of official visitors weren’t the only new arrivals to the USC campus this weekend. The Trojans also welcomed a good number of their Class of 2023 signees. The incoming freshmen officially began their time at USC with move-in day on Sunday.
USC fans are already familiar with a number of the Trojans’ 2023 freshmen. Five-star Plus+ signees Zachariah Branch and Malachi Nelson are two of the 10 who enrolled in time to participate in spring ball.
But some instant-impact players could be getting to campus now. Recently, we looked at some of the biggest questions involving the players arriving at USC this summer.
Here’s a look at the 2023 signees who were not on campus this spring.
TE Duce Robinson – Five-star tight end and nation’s No. 23 overall prospect. The 6-foot-6, 230-pound prospect will likely look more like a wide receiver than a traditional tight end for the Trojans. He’s expected to have a pretty significant impact this fall even though he’s just a true freshman joining a loaded group of receivers. Robinson will room with fellow Arizona product Ja’Kobi Lane.
Edge Braylan Shelby – The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Shelby was a big riser in the recruiting rankings as a senior. He finished as the No. 65 overall prospect in the 2023 On3 Industry Rankings. He should have a shot at playing time at rush end this year, or could learn from some veterans at that spot.
WR Ja’Kobi Lane – Lane is featured in the fourth photo in that social post from the USC Football Twitter account. The 6-foot-5 receiver adds some height to that room. He won’t be expected to contribute heavily this season but he has some natural ball skills that could get. him onto the field quicker than some think.
OL Micah Banuelos – The 6-foot-3, 290-pound Banuelos was recruited by Josh Henson as the center of the future for the Trojans. Justin Dedich is there this season, but Andrew Milek kicked out to guard this past spring. If Banuelos impresses early, he could settle in and get some valuable No. 2 practice reps behind Dedich.
Edge David Peevy – Head coach Lincoln Riley said Peevy was dealing with a bit of an injury. But the expectation is that he could be a big contributor down the line.
OL Amos Talalele – The 6-foot-5, 330-pound Talalele was a two-way standout in high school but is set to begin his college career on the offensive line. USC flipped him from a commitment to Cal and he’ll be an intriguing player to watch develop this season.
OL Alani Noa – Noa wasn’t a big name on the recruiting trail but USC won a battle with Oregon for him. The 6-foot-4, 320-pound interior lineman is another one to watch this season just to see how the transition to this level goes and if he can potentially see the field as a second-year player.
TE Kade Eldridge – The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Eldridge played both ways in high school and mainly running back as a senior. He looks like the first true H-back that Riley specifically targetted for his USC offense. Riley has had tremendous success with that position. So naturally, Eldridge is a fascinating addition to watch this year and beyond.
OT Tobias Raymond – The three-star Raymond was the lowest-ranked offensive line commitment for USC. He was also one of the shortest recruitments in terms of going from offer to commitment. It’s clear the Trojans like his frame and potential for development. He won’t be expected to play this season. But the upside is there.
DL Deijon Laffitte – Laffitte didn’t have the recruiting ranking but he did generate some national interest. USC won out for the 6-foot-4, 280-pound interior lineman who brings some real quickness to the defensive line. It’ll be all hands on deck as USC looks to figure out that front this fall. So Laffitte will get his shot to make an impact.
DL Elijah Hughes – The 6-foot-3, 265-pound Hughes might qualify as undersized for the defensive line, but he has a motor that never stops and the attitude to go with it. Even if it’s just on the practice field this fall, Hughes is going to make an impact at USC.
K Tyler Robles – Incoming walk-on kicker Tyler Robles is featured in the above USC Football post as well. He’ll likely have a shot to compete at both kicker and kickoff specialist for the Trojans this fall.
TE Walker Lyons – Four-star tight end Walker Lyons was a big commitment for the Trojans. But USC won’t have him on campus until the fall of 2024 as he’s off to Norway to serve his mission.
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