USC Makes its Case for 4-Star Safety Peyton Woodyard
Unlike all of the other USC official visitors, Elite-Star Safety Peyton Woodyard’s already verbally committed to a school, Georgia. He announced that commitment to Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs on January 7 during the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, TX.
Woodyard’s also visited USC countless times, so there’s definitely a comfort factor with the Trojans, if not a confidence factor. He told us a few weeks ago he still communicates with “everyone” at USC, so despite his commitment status, USC continued to pursue.
The USC official visit Woodyard took with LB teammate Kyngstonn Vilamu-Asa, was set up the day after the St. John Bosco College Showcase on May 9. USC coaches Donte Williams and Alex Grinch attended that event. Prior to setting up the June 9-11 USC visit, Woodyard scheduled officials to Ohio State for June 16-18 and Alabama June 23-25.
Why Woodyard took the USC visit?
It’s very unusual for high school football players to commit to a college program and then skip taking official visits. It’s really risky not taking these visits, because you never know what the situation at the school you’ve committed to will be come signing day in December.
So, Woodyard scheduling official visits in June is actually very normal. We asked him why he decided to take the USC official visit and what he gained from it?
“I took the visit to USC because of the relationships I have with them,” said Woodyard. “This trip was different because it was only Kyng and I. It allowed me to really connect with the entire staff. My family and I really got to know all of them this weekend . it was really intimate. They really showed me how much of a priority I am for them.”
Reflection time
Whether a recruit ends up at a school he visits or not, there are always highlights to each official visit. Moments that cause guys to reflect once they’re back home for a day or two. Woodyard shared a couple of those experiences with us.
“I walked away impressed with how quickly they are turning the program around there, especially the defensive side,” Woodyard said. “They are making positive changes.
“Also I had the chance to sit down and have breakfast with one of the greatest safeties to ever play for USC. It meant a lot to me that Coach Riley set that up with Troy Polamalu . He was able to provide invaluable information about being great on and off the field. Man, he is so genuine and real. He’s a great man. It was an honor to sit next to him and just listen and soak up everything that he was sharing.”
Points of emphasis
With Woodyard visiting USC more times than anyone not named Marcelles and DeAndre, USC had a few points of emphasis they focused on this past weekend.
“They know I’m interested in Business and also communications/sports broadcasting,” Woodyard said. “I was able to see and gain more knowledge on the Annenberg School of Communications and that was huge for me. They opened that up specifically for me.”
Lincoln Riley’s closing message
“Lincoln Riley let me know what my role would be and their need for me in the program,” said Woodyard. “Family and faith are important to him and it is absolutely important to me. My family had a great time.”
Woodyard’s thoughts on USC last December
“Coach (Lincoln) Riley has definitely turned to program around,” said Woodyard. “Over the past season I was able to continue to build a relationship with Coach (Alex) Grinch and Coach Riley. They have changed the culture at USC and it has been awesome to see the hometown team have success on the field. I never would have thought that they would be able to turn it around so quickly, but they have.
“It is only the beginning and I am sure that they will have continued success, because they are committed to bringing in the best talent not only from California but other areas as well. The relationship with the coaching staff is extremely important to me and my family and they have been able to make my parents feel comfortable with them.”
Scott’s Thoughts
Prior to the St. John Bosco College Showcase, I hadn’t even thought about Woodyard visiting USC. That changed when he began to announce official visits dates. He set up Alabama first and then Ohio State.
For at least a month, I’d heard some rumblings that Ohio State may have made some moves with Woodyard and were ahead for Viliamu-Asa. But we do believe USC made significant movement with Viliamu-Asa this past weekend and the Trojans aren’t completely out of it with Woodyard.
We’ve submitted a prediction for Marcelles Williams, but despite a Grand Slam by Riley and staff on his official visit, we’re still not prepared to submit one for Viliamu-Asa. I’d say USC is trending with Kyng.
Woodyard’s committed to Georgia, so no prediction required, but the USC visit made a huge impact.
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