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BREAKING: All-American OL Micah Banuelos Commits to USC

Scott-Schraderby: Scott Schrader07/25/22SSchraderOn3
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OL Micah Banuelos announces his commitment to USC (Scott Schrader/WeAreSC)

While most weren’t sure which school 4-Star Seattle (WA) OL Micah Banuelos would announce for Monday July 25, we submitted a USC prediction on June 21. Unlike Joshua Conerly and several more highly pursued offensive linemen, Banuelos announced his commitment to USC this afternoon.

“It’s a new era at USC,” Banuelos said. “Coach (Lincoln) Riley has brought an SEC mentality and a new culture to USC. It’s a brotherhood at USC. I felt the brotherhood energy when I was there with all the current players and maybe soon to be players…the recruits.”

We learned with Joshua Conerly Jr’s commitment announcement in May that elite recruits can still keep their intentions unknown. Up until the final hour before Conerly announced, the USC and Oregon coaching staffs were unsure of his decision. 

With Banuelos there wasn’t as much uncertainty as we approached his announcement date, but WeAreSC submitted the only USC prediction well ahead of the commitment ceremony.

Spectacular July 4th Fireworks Dud for the Trojans

Earlier this month the USC coaching staff learned the school choices of two of their top 2023 targets OL targets Francis Mauigoa and Lucas Simmons. Mauigoa committed to Miami on July 4th along with CB Mike Tease to Arkansas. Simmons announced his commitment to Florida St. two weeks ago.

USC doesn’t have a desperate need for skill players, but they do with offensive and defensive linemen. Not earning a commitment from both talented offensive tackles leaves USC scrambling in July to figure out who’s still a strong possibility.

Four-Star Provo (UT) OT Spencer Fano told us this afternoon he’s still seriously considering USC and then there’s also 4-Star OT Caleb Lomu from Arizona. Both took unofficial visits to USC in June, but have yet to schedule official visits. Fano’s had very high interest in Oregon for a while, so there’s work to do in order to lure him. But Fano and his father were extremely impressed with the vibe they felt while at USC last month.

This commitment from Banuelos is extremely huge for USC and will undoubtedly help with their pursuit of top priority offensive lineman Alani Noa. We believe Northern California OL Amos Talalele being committed will also enhance the chances for the Trojans.

Under Armour All-American Selection

On June 27 Banuelos revealed an invitation and commitment to play in the 2023 Under Armor All-American Game. USC commits Zach Branch, Malachi Nelson and Makai Lemon will also play in that game in January.

We believe commitments from both Banuelos and Amos Talaele will give USC the advantage in ultimately signing OL Alani Noa.

One More Later This Week

We should add there will also likely be a commitment announcement from 4-Star Houston (TX) Edge Braylan Shelby in the upcoming weeks. Texas currently has a slight lead over USC in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz