4-Star Edge Jaylen Harvey Sets Commitment Date
We thought a commitment from 4-Star Maryland Edge Jaylen Harvey was coming a few weeks back, but a few late unofficial visits delayed his announcement plans.
In late August Harvey thought he’d announce after the third game of the season, but those plans changed to sometime in October.
On Friday Harvey told WeAreSC he’d definitely have a decision within three to four weeks. He just needed an approved date from the school principal so he can announce at Quince Orchard. Harvey’s now set that date for October 16.
Decision made, announcement coming
After watching Harvey’s impressive performance and Quince Orchard improving to 6-0, we had an opportunity to speak to him. We wanted to get THE LATEST on Harvey’s plans to announce his school choice. WeAreSC wasn’t sure if he was even ready. He attended the Penn St. “White Out” game two weeks ago (9/23).
James Franklin also flew into Gaithersburg (MD) to see Harvey the day before Harvey and his family were in Happy Valley. Franklin was sporting a No. 11 Penn St. jersey. Eleven is Harvey’s preferred number and what he’ll likely be wearing at USC should he choose the Trojans.
“I got a decision for where I’m going, I’m just waiting until my principal tells me what the date is, because I’m supposed to be doing it here at the (football) field. I’ll post the announcement date on Twitter and all that when I know it. It should happen in the next three to four weeks.”
Why it would be USC
USC had gained a lot of momentum with Harvey since his June 16-18 official visit. We haven’t submitted a prediction yet, but likely will when a commitment date is set. The official visit to USC was an eye opener for Harvey and his family, but the August 26 visit did as well. Harvey said it made a big impact on him and his family.
“I wanted to see how the coaches were coaching, live,” said Harvey. “See how they coach my position. That was pretty much it. They were giving the guys who weren’t playing mental reps.”
Harvey said they also had an opportunity to sit in on film sessions, position group preparation and get a true feel for the culture at USC. Harvey and his family left Los Angeles last weekend impressed with what they saw and experienced. It was Jaylen’s third visit.
Harvey shared his thoughts on Lincoln Riley.
“He’s a really big part of my recruitment,” Harvey said. “He’s a very important factor in my decision, because I’m going to spend the next three to four years with him. I feel as though he’s one of the top head coaches in the game right now. Out of everybody, out of all the leagues. I know he’s going to teach me, develop me and help make me a better man on and off the field.”
The USC defense
USC looked much improved defensively in 2023 until the last two games. The defensive performance last week against Colorado was jaw dropping. The Trojans were up by 27 with about 17 minutes left to play, and squeaked out a 48-41 victory in Boulder (CO).
“I watched the entire game,” said Harvey. “They didn’t give up. Even at the end when it got close, they didn’t give up. So they kept showing strength and all that.”
Despite USC’s defensive struggles, Manning and Shaun Nua’s guys have actually been looking really good.
“Yes, they are,” Harvey said. “In practice they’re doing a lot of hand work. That’s key to beating the tackles the guards.”
What USC offers Harvey
“(USC) offers me an opportunity to be a playmaker on the defense,” said Harvey. “I’ll be in coverage, I’ll be in the run game and on passing downs.”
