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Surprise USC Commit Sends Profound Message for Kids in his Region

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 4:27 PM ET

Not every USC 2026 commit is a four or five-star talent. The Trojans detected a little known talent who told the Los Angeles Times he had no stars or any mention on national recruiting sites. But helps comprise the nation's top-ranked class.

Andrew Williams of Fremont High in Los Angeles now hopes his recruiting journey sends a message. One that instills hope for kids in his region.

Williams stars in the L.A. City Section -- which once was a hotbed for the Pete Carroll-led USC teams on the recruiting trail. USC discovered then offered the edge rusher in February. Yet Williams represents an area that's seen a drop off in talent. Plus has watched kids from his area get siphoned by private schools.

The 6-foot-5 pass rusher, however, stayed loyal to his high school and region. And sent this message via the Los Angeles Times' Eric Sondheimer on Sunday.

"I’m comfortable with people looking up to me,” he said. “Somebody in the city is actually doing it. Just as I can do it, so can you," Williams began.

He wasn't through dropping an inspirational gem to kids in the same shoes as he's in.

"I feel I was one of the least privileged kids,” he added. “To have the opportunity I’m doing now...If I was another 6-5 kid that wasn’t from South Central, I would have been known. They would have shot me up the rankings. They don’t show that in the city I love. That’s cool. That’s for them to keep sleeping on us.”

Trojans defensive line coach Eric Henderson called Williams around 7 a.m. to offer him, Williams revealed in tracing back to his commitment day. He also drew the attention of wide receivers coach Chad Savage -- who discovered him while as an assistant with Colorado State.

Williams made his decision during lunch hours at school and conversed with both Henderson and Lincoln Riley to reveal his commitment to USC.

The 3.8 student is hoping his commitment to USC launches a rebirth in colleges pursuing City Section talent again. Williams became one of USC's early 2026 commits before Riley and the Trojans started flipping Oregon Ducks (Jonas Williams and Tomuhini Topui) and pursued the four and five stars.

Williams, meanwhile, is now listed as a three-star on 247Sports and On3/Rivals.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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