USC lands 4-star LB Shaun Scott: 'USC made me feel like a top guy'

Shaun Scott has been a name on recruiting boards for a couple of years and as Lincoln Riley put his new defensive staff together at USC, he became one of the top names. In recent months, USC picked up steam in Scott’s recruitment and the four-star out of Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei has committed to the Trojans.

“USC has been on top for a couple of months now,” Scott told On3. “I took some visits and I wanted to make sure before I committed. The new [defensive] staff came in and made me feel like a priority, I knew I was high on their board and I felt special. USC made me feel like a top guy and that is where I want to be.”

The hiring of Rob Ryan made an impact. He has NFL experience and playing on Sundays is Scott’s goal.

“Coach Ryan has won two Super Bowls, he has coached a lot of Pro Bowlers, he has developed a lot of great linebackers, so he is a coach I want to be around and play for. He is a very smart coach with a great personality. I know he can develop me and I like how he wants to use me.”

USC beat out schools like Michigan, UCLA and Washington, among others for the No. 31 prospect in California. He is excited about where USC is headed.

“This recruiting class is going to be the difference,” Scott said. “The program is on its way up. If coach Riley was coaching Ohio State last season, I believe he would have won the national championship. He is a great coach and he just needs the players. That is why this will be big in turning things around at USC.

“Coach Riley is a great guy, players play hard for him and big things are coming.”

Scott is ranked as an EDGE, but committed to USC to play linebacker. He plans to take his official visit to Los Angeles on May 30.