On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine favors USC for Josh Conerly

The final big-name prospect in the 2022 recruiting cycle will come off the board tonight when Seattle (Wash.) Rainier Beach offensive tackle Josh Conerly announces his commitment.

The 6-foot-5, 283-pounder opted to wait out the Early Signing Period, then the February Signing period, then the month of March. And now decision day has arrived. This winter, Conerly announced he was down to six schools in his recruitment: USC, Miami, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon and Washington.

He took official visits to Oklahoma and Miami in January, tripped to Oregon early last month and finished his list off with an official visit to USC two weekends ago. The Trojans and Ducks have been considered the main contenders for some time now, with Washington trying to convince him to stay home.

But according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), USC has taken a commanding advantage in Conerly’s recruitment. The RPM gives the Trojans a 95.2 percent chance of securing his commitment, with Oregon trailing far behind.

While he was impressed by new USC head coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans’ coaching staff early on, Conerly came away impressed on his March visit by their coaching styles and how practices were run.

“I saw able to watch the first padded USC practice,” Conerly told WeAreSC. “It was significant because I got a live look at the team and the coaching styles.”

The Trojans signed a small class in the 2022 cycle, with just eight high school prospects in the group. However, that includes Five-Star Plus+ cornerback Domani Jackson, four-star safety Zion Branch and four-star wideout Raleek Brown. USC has also severely upgraded its talent in the transfer portal with former five-star quarterback Caleb Williams, elite wide receiver transfer Mario Williams and nearly a dozen other transfers.

Josh Conerly Scouting Summary

“A modern day athletic offensive tackle prospect with a basketball background. Has a good build for the position with a big frame and plus length. Fast starter out of his stance with good foot quickness. Quickly works to second level and looks to strike in open space. Dangerous when he pulls with a powerful initial punch Flat-footed in a three-point stance with an athletic look. Shoots his hands with accuracy. Shows off his athleticism and initial quickness doubling as a defensive tackle, where he is a disruptor on that side of the ball. Frame has the ability to carry more than 300 pounds and is well proportioned. Needs to increase his functional play strength and continue improving lower body flexibility. Will also need to adjust to the speed of the game, particularly in pass protection, as he moves to the college level.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings