USC Earns Spot Among Top 10 Schools for Elite Texas Edge
Six days after his Official Visit, USC earned a spot among the Top 10 schools for highly coveted Houston (TX) Edge Braylan Shelby.
After his March 5 USC visit, Four-Star Friendswood (TX) Edge Braylan Shelby raved about Los Angeles and his experience at USC. So, there was little doubt about his serious interest heading into the second visit.
“Oh yessir, definitely met my expectations,” Shelby said.”I had one of the best times I’ve ever had on a recruiting visit. It was everything he (Odom) had told me and more. I talked to Coach Riley and the entire staff. They’re all so genuine and real. I really loved it in L.A. I know I’m most likely going to take an official visit to USC.”
Since the USC visit, Shelby’s visited Tennessee and Texas on April 23. Now he’s in the process of taking a few Official Visits in June before announcing his school choice next month. The only two visits Shelby’s scheduled are USC (6/16) and Texas (6/24).
The USC visit concluded on Sunday and WeAreSC spoke to Shelby after he arrived home.
BRAYLAN SHELBY INTEL PRIOR TO USC OFFICIAL VISIT:
Although nobody knows what will happen between now and months down the road, we were told this is a USC vs Texas battle with USC ahead. That was the generally consensus at Friendswood HS and among USC sources.
On Sunday evening I submitted my USC Prediction for Shelby.
SCOTT SCHRADER AND BRAYLAN SHELBY Q&A
SS: Tell us about the party at Lincoln Riley’s home?
BS: “First of all, Palos Verdes is amazing and it’s about a 45 minute drive from USC. I hadn’t really seen much of L.A. when I was there last time. We drove up a hill and into a really nice neighborhood. The setting was incredible. But the food was great, the entertainment was great and it was really amazing to be honest with you.”
SS: There were 24 of you on this visit. Was that ever a problem or did it interfere negatively with your visit in any way?
BS: “Actually no. They split us up and had guys get there at different days or at different times. The way it was set up was actually nice. They had us all in Sprinter vans and we had time to bond with each other. We were chilling with each other and talking during the day, then playing video games at night. Other than that I spent most of my time with Coach Manning.”
SS: Were you able to experience anything at USC on this visit that you didn’t on the last? I mean other than the entertainment activities of course.
BS: “Since they’ve really been there a while now, got their firm footing and they’re rolling, I could really feel that family vibe. Everybody connects and is included in everything.”
SS: Can you describe the feeling you had about this experience when it was over?
BS: “Last night I was talking with a group of guys. We were saying how we could really change things around at USC and stuff like that. It’s crazy how they could fit everything they has us do into just the first day.”
SS: What did you guys do at the “Golden Hour” event at the Coliseum?
BS: “We arrived by bus and walked down the stairs at the Coliseum. Then they called your name out loud, ‘Braylan Shelby from Houston, TX.’ They had a bunch of different food trucks and we watched the sunset again….and why they called it the “Golden Hour.”
“They also had a bunch of special guests. Former great players and hall of famers. Top former players talked about why they choose to come there, what the un diversity did for them and what we could do in the program. And what opportunities are available with a degree from USC. Then we did the photo shoot.
“That photo shoot was different. They had low riders up top by the stairs, they had drones and backdrops everywhere. I think the photos will come late tonight or tomorrow.”
SS: You texted me you’d definitely back at USC for another visit. Why take another visit to USC?
BS: “Just the whole vibe and everything there really felt like home. It feels like a place I could really thrive at, play football and succeed in life.”
SS: When do you plan on making a decision?
BS: “Some time before the season in mid July. I want to be committed before the season starts”
SS: If USC were to be that school, what would the reasons be?
BS: “First of all the degree. 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.”
SS: Im told you’re an extremely high priority for Coach Roy Manning and USC. How do they make you feel like a priority?
BS: “Just the way Coach manning, Coach Grinch and Lincoln Riley all make it know. there’s just no doubt.They tell me they’ll turn the program around with me a being big part of it.They say I’ve got the skillset, the mind for it and the body. And they feel they can help me take too the next step and I believe they can, too.”
SS: Have any other visits given you a similar feeling?
BS: “This is my first OV, so it’s hard to compare. But this visit will probably be hard to top.”
