USC only program in country with multiple top-15 TE's committed in On300
Earlier in the recruiting cycle, I highlighted the rankings of the two tight ends committed to the Trojans in 2024. Well even after numerous ebbs and flows in the rankings, USC remains the only program in college football to hold commitment from multiple top-15 tight ends in the On300 rankings.
The tight end duo pledged to the Trojans are Hiram (Ga.) four-star tight end Walter Matthews and Lake Oswego (Ore.) Lakeridge four-star tight end Joey Olsen.
In the current On300 rankings, Matthews is ranked as the No. 132 overall prospect and No. 11 tight end. Olsen is ranked as the No. 224 overall prospect and No. 15 tight end.
With the duo in the fold, it gives USC the top tight end class in the 2024 cycle. The closest to them is Michigan, holding commitments from the No. 12 and 28 tight ends. Alabama holds commitments from No. 1 and No. 24.
In 36 games played for Olsen, he hauled in 118 catches for 2,302 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns.
He averaged 19.5 yards per reception and 63.9 yards per game over his career. His sophomore-senior seasons all saw him go over 570+ yards and seven touchdowns. Also, in all four seasons, he had at least one receptions of 50+ yards.
Matthews on the other hand, did not have the excessive production in his high school career, scoring 11 touchdowns in his three-years as a starter. However, his potential for what he can be at the next level is vast.
Evaluation on Matthews
“Large-bodied offensive mismatch whose athleticism for his size allows him to separate from defenders with ease. Tremendous build and frame. Strong hands at the catch point. Bouncy on the hardwood and shows explosiveness and body control. Need to see some development in his route running and hip fluidity, but has immense potential and upside.”
On3 on Olsen
“We’ve been high on Joey Olsen the whole time. He continued to slide up a little bit within the tight end group on this release because he’s continued to add size. Early in his high school career, he was a big receiver who projected as tight end, but we’ve seen him make a physical progression over the last couple of months into having more of a tight end body type. He continues to add weight and moves around really well. He has the natural receiving skills and athleticism.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings
Current 2024 Recruiting Class for USC
As of November 29, the 2024 USC verbal commits include, LB Desman Stephens, 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, OT Justin Tauanuu, RB Bryan Jackson, OT Hayden Treter, CB Marcelles Williams, CB Braylon Conley, CB Isaiah Rubin, and OL Jason Zandamela.
With 18 commitments in the fold, USC remains No. 18 in the 2024 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. The current class is sitting at a class score of 90.40.
USC is sitting at No. 14 in the country in average prospect rating. The Trojans have an average commit rating of 90.14.
