USC OL target 2024 OT Justin Tauanuu decommits from Stanford
Some interesting late night news has arisen for USC recruiting as Huntington Beach (Calif.) three-star offensive tackle Justin Tauanuu has announce he has decommitted from Stanford.
Tauanuu has been a longtime target of USC offensive line coach Josh Henson.
“I want to thank coach Viane and coach Netter and all the Stanford coaching staff. I want to thank them for recruiting me, offering me, and giving me a chance to pursue my education and football career to the next level. Stanford staff has shown me nothing but love throughout the whole recruiting process. You guys believing in me means a lot to me. I want to wish you guys the best of luck. With that being said, I have decided to decommit from Stanford University and will be announcing my commitment tomorrow at 10:30pm. Thanks to everyone for your support and understanding.”
As his post states, he will be announcing a new commitment at 10:30 PM PT Friday night.
The 6-foot-6, 270 pound California native committed to Stanford in June, choosing the Cardinal over USC. But the Trojans never stopped being a contender. Tauanuu visited USC three times this fall, the most recent taking place for the game against Washington.
Trojans recruiting insider Scott Schrader logged an expert prediction with a 65% confidence level that USC would flip Tauanuu’s commitment. USC then took the lead in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.
Tauanuu is the nation’s No. 536 overall prospect in the 2024 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is the No. 34 offensive tackle in the cycle and the No. 40 player from California.
Taunanuu took two official visits this summer. One was to UCLA on May 5-7 while the second was the Stanford on June 9-11. He committed to Stanford the next week despite a fresh offer USC and the Trojans coming on strong. He would eventually officially visit USC in October during a game weekend.
There are currently three offensive lineman committed in the Trojans 2024 class. Clearwater Academy International’s Jason Zandamela, Arlington Martin’s Makai Saina, and Cherry Creek’s Hayden Treter make up the group.
Current 2024 Recruiting Class for USC
As of November 10, the 16 2024 USC verbal commits include, TE Walter Matthews, WR Ryan Pellum, OLB Elijah Newby, WR Xavier Jordan, EDGE Kameryn Fountain, TE Joey Olsen, Safety Jarvis Boatwright Jr., OL Makai Saina, Safety Marquis Gallegos, RB Bryan Jackson, OT Hayden Treter, CB Marcelles Williams, CB Braylon Conley, DL Deyvid Palepale, CB Isaiah Rubin and OL Jason Zandamela.
