Devan Thompkins commits to USC
USC landed a commitment from one of the more intriguing in-state prospects in the 2022 class on Friday, when two-way, two-sport standout Devan Thompkins (Stockton, Calif./Edison) announced his pledge to the Trojans.
Thompkins is a 6-foot-5, 220-pound edge defender who also plays tight end. But he was an absolute unknown in college football recruiting circles coming into this fall. Just six months ago, Thompkins was a basketball player at St. Mary’s High School and hadn’t played organized football since sixth grade.
His first football offer came from Arizona in late-August. Arizona State, Michigan State, Utah and USC all offered just a few days later and Thompkins was officially a top college football prospect. Fewer than months later, he’s a USC commit.
He took an official visit to USC in late-October and said he felt a special connection with the school and the coaches during the trip. He’s had consistent connection with interim head coach Donte Williams and felt comfortable enough to make the announcement on a commitment this week.
Thompkins is commitment No. 9 for a USC recruiting class that has been in flux of late. The Trojans lost a huge commitment from five-star cornerback Domani Jackson (Santa Ana, Calif./Mater Dei) earlier this week. USC also lost five-star defensive tackle Mykel Williams (Columbus, Ga./Hardaway) from the class earlier this fall.
Thompkins is the only front-seven defender currently committed to USC. The class also features quarterback Devin Brown (Draper, Utah/Corner Canyon), defensive backs Jaeden Gould (Oradell, NJ/Bergen Catholic), Ephesians Prysock (Mission Hills, Calif./Alemany) and Fabian Ross (Las Vegas/Bishop Gorman), wide receivers Kevin Green (Mission Hills, Calif./Alemany) and Caleb Douglas (Missouri City, Tex./Hightower), offensive tackle Keith Olson (Napavine, Wash./Napavine) and punter Atticus Bertrams (Melborne, VIC).
There will likely be plenty more twists and turns in this 2022 recruiting class when the permanent USC head coach is named. Williams said earlier this week that the Trojans expect anywhere between 15 and 20 official visitors for the Dec. 10-12 weekend, which is the final weekend before the earlier signing period opens.
