WATCH: USC 4-star WR commit Makai Lemon reels in nice catch from Trojans Five-Star Plus+ QB commit Malachi Nelson
Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Malachi Nelson and four-star wide receiver Makai Lemon are committed to USC and two of Los Alamitos (Calif.)’s top players. The duo showcased their chemistry on Friday night against Long Beach (Calif.) Long Beach Poly.
On a third down, Nelson sent a pass towards the left sideline for Lemon. Despite close coverage by LSU four-star cornerback commit Daylen Austin, Lemon rose up to reel in the catch and a first down.
Nelson and Lemon connected minutes later for a short touchdown. The four-star wideout leapt up to grab a slant before muscling his way across the goal line.
Nelson is the No. 3 overall prospect and No. 2 quarterback in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 1 player in California.
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Lemon is the No. 38 overall prospect and No. 6 wide receiver in the On3 Consensus. He is also rated as the No. 5 player in California.
Nelson and Lemon are two of the top prospects in USC’s 2023 recruiting class. The group is ranked No. 13 in the 2023 On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 2 in the Pac-12.
Lemon is one of three wide receivers in the Trojans’ class. The others are Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman Five-Star Plus+ wideout Zachariah Branch and Mesa (Ariz.) Red Mountain four-star wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane.
Malachi Nelson and Makai Lemon On3 Scouting Summaries
The following are the On3 Scouting Summaries for Malachi Nelson and Makai Lemon:
Nelson: “Quick-armed, accurate passer with strong functional movement skills. Considered one of the more talented quarterback prospects in high school football dating back to his early high school career. A natural, nuanced passer with a quick release. Shows some aggressive tendencies in throwing downfield. Has touch with the ability to layer his throws. Accurate with good ball placement dating back to his sophomore spring season which was shortened due to COVID-19. Good arm strength, which could improve with overall strength progression.
“Adept at running the quick game out of spread looks, flipping the ball out quick to the boundary. Loose and fluid in his movements. Plays with bouncy footwork and lower body twitch. Looks to pass first, but has good burst as a runner with the ability to run zone read or pick up yards when the play breaks down. Plays at a relaxed pace and typically seems unbothered in the pocket. Has a lean, streamline frame and will need to continue adding mass.”
Lemon: “Arguably the top two-way high school football player on the West Coast. Stars as a receiver and defensive back. Savvy with advanced ball tracking skills. Does not test as a top athlete, but shows play speed that belies what he does in the combine setting. Smooth mover with the ability to create separation with route-running and acceleration. Totaled over 1,000 receiving yards in addition to four interceptions as a junior. Consistently produces and performs well against top talent. Likely projects as a slot receiver long-term. Does not have a separating physical trait when it comes to size, length or speed/athleticism.”