Walker Lyons Signs with USC Trojans
USC landed a big signing day commitment from four-star tight end Walker Lyons on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Lyons is the nation’s No. 119 overall prospect and No. 7 tight end in the 2023 recruiting class. He had a disappointing senior year as he broke his leg in the opening quarter and was forced to miss the rest of the season. As a junior, he caught 42 passes for 646 yards and seven touchdowns. He added 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery on defense.
Lyons won’t be an immediate addition to the USC roster as he is scheduled to take a mission before enrolling. But he is a big-time talent and was one of the early offensive targets for head coach Lincoln Riley in this class.
He becomes the second tight end commitment for the Trojans in this class, joining three-star prospect Kade Eldridge. USC is still in the mix for five-star tight end Duce Robinson, who is likely to take his recruitment well past Wednesday’s signing day. But again, the commitment from Lyons won’t affect any of the numbers or roster space in this 2023 class or the 2023 season as his arrival at USC is still 18 months away. Lyons won’t take the full two years for his mission in Norway, but instead will be back in Los Angeles in time for the 2024 season.
This commitment is an example of USC head coach Lincoln Riley flexing his recruiting muscles a bit. Walker initially committed to Stanford before backing away from that pledge in November. Georgia and Utah looked to be the frontrunners of late, but the Trojans closed the deal and landed the commitment. The Bulldogs and Utes have done phenomenally well in terms of tight end production in recent seasons, so this speaks to the draw of playing in that Riley offense.
Lyons has signed and has already been officially announced by USC.
USC’s 2023 Recruiting Class
Lyons is the sixth top-150 prospect to sign with the Trojans and the third offensive skill player, along with Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver Zachariah Branch and four-star receiver Makai Lemon.
Branch is the No. 1 player in the class and the No. 4 overall prospect in the nation. Quarterback Malachi Nelson is USC’s other Five-Star Plus+ prospect and checks in at No. 11 overall.
USC went big on the big guys in this group. The Trojans signed three true defensive linemen and two edge defenders along with five offensive linemen.
The commitment from Lyons moved the Trojans up to No. 13 in the class rankings.
Walker Lyons On3 Scouting Report
“One of the more polished pass catchers at the tight end position in the 2023 recruiting cycle. Lines up with his hand in the dirt as a true in-line Y, splits out wide and lines up in the slot as a flex option. Excellent body control and ability to contort his frame to be in the best position to catch the football. Measured in at 6-foot-5, just under 230 pounds.
Had 44 receptions for 746 yards and 9 touchdowns as a junior. Helped lead NorCal powerhouse Folsom High to a state championship final as a junior. Twitchy off the line of scrimmage and has tremendous wiggle for his size as a route runner. Shows some explosiveness as a hooper on the hardwood. Needs to be more violent in the run game as a blocker but does have willingness. May not have the length or pure catch radius of some other top tight end prospects. Expected to take a two-year LDS mission.”
