USC Football: Trojans Courting Elite Defensive End Prospect

On3 Sports is reporting that Jones is trending in the Ohio State Buckeyes' direction. This makes sense given the pipeline that the Buckeyes have built in terms of how many defensive linemen are drafted out of Ohio State. USC doesn't have a robust pipeline into the NFL (in terms of defensive linemen), but the attraction for defenders being recruited by USC beckons a different type of competitive advantage on the recruiting front. 

Because the Trojan defense was so bad over the course of the 2023 season, an opportunity arose. Jones may be considering USC as his future home due to the fact that he may be able to step in and earn playing time faster than he might earn it in the Scarlet and Gray. Additionally, USC will be entering the Big 10 next season. There is great competition in all Division One conferences. However, there's an argument to be made that the brand of football played in the Big 10 might better pre pare a defensive lineman for the NFL than that of the Pac-12. 

Carlon Jones played along the defensive line interior in his senior season Hudl film. As far as fit, Jones best projects in the Trojan defensive tackle position, as opposed to nose tackle. It is worth noting, however, that the Trojans are currently without a long-term solution as defensive coordinator. This may play a factor in the recruitment of not only Jones but all defensive recruiting targets.

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