BREAKING: Elite 4-Star Edge Braylan Shelby Commits to USC
Elite Four-Star Edge Braylan Shelby from Friendswood (TX) announced his commitment to USC Saturday.
Why USC Was The Choice
It’s been a USC vs Texas battle for several months and the Trojans edged out the Longhorns because of the relationships he has with the staff, what USC offers as a university, his relationships with other USC commits and more.
“On the official visit I was talking with a group of guys and we were saying how we could really change things around at USC and stuff like that,” said Shelby. “I talk to some of the guys about once a day. Zachary Branch, Malachi Nelson and some of the other recruits I was with on the official visit. We really loved it and feel we can make that place home. But it just comes down to our final schools and see how we feel about it.”
While the relationships with Branch, Nelson, Grant Buckey and others were significant, it was OLB Coach Roy Manning who closed the deal with Shelby.
“Back when he was at Oklahoma he got in contact with me. Once he made the switch to USC, that’s when he came down to the school,” Shelby said. “He offered me and let me know how he feels about me and how I’d fit into the defense. I’ve been to USC twice now and both times he was really selling me on how I’d fit playing the position they plan for me. Use my size, athleticism and really be a game changer.
“I really like the vision they have for me and I can definitely see myself in that program.”
Last month Shelby shared with WeAreSC what his role in Alex Grinch’s defense would be.
“I feel I’m good playing in coverage, I like playing in open space, but I also like being a standup rusher, said Shelby. “I could put my hand on the ground too, but I love being a standup rusher with my explosiveness. I really like the scheme at USC and the weak-side position I’d play in it.
“Every now and then I’d take a running back one-on-one, drop in coverage and rush the passer. That’s definitely a few reasons I love the scheme at USC.”
Academics Still Matter With Some
Although football is the primary reason for Shelby choosing USC, what USC offers academically was also an important factor in his decision.
“First of all the degree from USC is big,” he said. “My mom is very high on academics. At USC you get the best combination of academics and football. And I really feel we can rebuild the program with Malachi Nelson, Zach Branch and the others. They only signed seven guys in the last class and that also gives me a great opportunity to compete to play early.“
USC pursued several Top Rated 2022 Edge prospects last year in Omari Arbor, Cyrus Moss, David Bailey and DJ Wesolak, but narrowly missed on signing Moss (Miami) and Bailey (Stanford). The Trojans could’ve signed Wesolak,but Riley and staff chose not to pursue and he signed with the home school Missouri.
The Trojans did sign Devan Thompkins from Stockton (CA). What stands out most about 6-6 and 225 pound Thompkins, is he’s an extremely young and raw football player. He’s nowhere near reaching his ceiling physically or from a football player perspective.
We believe he could end up the steal of this recruiting class based off his potential size and athleticism. But USC will definitely sign a few of the Top Edge prospects in 2023.
A few of them visited in the Spring and then took official visits in June, including Shelby. Since early Spring Shelby’s been at the top of the USC recruiting board for Edge targets.
