Simmons Scoop: USC leading with 5-star TE Duce Robinson

Much of the focus around the Elite 11 Finals this week in Los Angeles is about quarterbacks. But on Tuesday, during the event’s first night, it was five-star tight end Duce Robinson who stole the show.

The Phoenix (Ariz.) Pinnacle High pass-catcher was in every drill, taking multiple reps and showing off why he is such a hot commodity on the recruiting trail. In that vein, On3’s Chad Simmons came away with that the impression that one program is standing out right now.

“USC is definitely trending for the five-star tight end,” Simmons said. “I don’t think he is ready to commit just yet. But I think they will be hard to beat in the end.”

Duce Robinson is fresh off of an official visit earlier this month, and the Trojans are the only program he has done that with.

A handful of other programs — including Texas, Georgia and Alabama — are still in the mix. And the Longhorns landing Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Arch Manning is intriguing. But right now, the Trojans are the team most talked about.

“He’s talked to [five-star Texas commit] Arch Manning and wants to take an official visit there during the season,” Simmons added. Alabama and Georgia are in the hunt there as well, but right now Lincoln Riley and his program in Los Angeles are in the driver’s seat.”

Duce Robinson Scouting Summary

“Jumbo athlete with a large catch radius who looks like one of the better tight end prospects over the last few recruiting cycles. Has outstanding statue and length at over 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds with a 6-foot-10 wingspan. Plays and moves like a receiver at that size. A smooth, fluid mover who showed continued improvement in top-end play speed as a junior, running away from defensive backs. Has one of the largest catch radiuses in the 2023 cycle and consistently wins in contested situations.

… Was the top pass-catcher at the Opening Finals prior to his junior season and created a considerable mismatch over the middle of the field. Turned in a very productive junior season with close to 1,000 receiving yards. Has an outstanding multi-sport profile as one of the nation’s top baseball prospects and also plays basketball. Will need to continue getting stronger to aid in blocking, but has the look of an elite tight end prospect with five-star upside.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings