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12 Four-Stars in USC’s 2024 Recruiting Class Brighten the Trojans’ Future

Victor HaltomBy Updated:No Comments11 Mins Read
USC's 2024 Recruiting Class
Jan 2, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of the USC Trojans helmets and Cotton Bowl logo during the game between the USC Trojans and the Tulane Green Wave in the 2023 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

12 four-stars in USC’s 2024 recruiting class provide the Trojans and their fans with ample reason to be optimistic about the days ahead.

A four-star recruit is defined as follows:

“One of the top 300 players in the nation. This prospect will be an impact-player for his college team. He is an All-American candidate who is projected to play professionally.”

USC Marching Band!!! GO TROJANS!!! FIGHT ON!!! Intro 2012 | peacecommission.kdsg.gov.ng

The 12 Four-Star Recruits in USC’s 2024 Recruiting Class

Let’s take a look at the talented group of young, new Trojans:

Kameryn Fountain – Edge Rusher

Kameryn Fountain is a four-star recruit from Atlanta, Georgia. 247Sports rated him as the seventh-best edge rusher in the country. He is USC’s top-rated defensive recruit in the 2024 class.

Fountain chose USC over South Carolina, Tennessee. Auburn, and numerous other high profile schools.

There is optimism that the Atlanta native will earn playing time in the regular defensive rotation during his true freshman year.

Fountain has drawn attention with his impressive size and stature. He is 6’6″ and weighs 250 lbs.

Fountain’s talent was on display when he strip-sacked the opposing quarterback in the All-American Bowl, leading to a defensive touchdown.

Marcelles Williams – Cornerback

Marcelles Williams is rated as the fifth-best cornerback prospect in the country.

At football powerhouse St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, CA, Williams emerged as a star during his sophomore year, making 42 tackles and seven pass break-ups. He developed into a “lock-down defender” with a “knack for making big plays at key moments, including two interceptions in the … state championship game.” He also blocked a field goal kick in the championship game.

Marcelles Williams | Four-Stars | Ranked the Seventh Best Cornerback in the Country by 247Sports | Committed to USC
USC Trojan Four-Star Recruit Marcelles Williams in High School at St. John Bosco

Williams is 5’10” and weighs 180 lbs.

Williams’ older brother Max, played safety for USC. He has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Williams was recruited by Florida State, Mississippi, Arizona State, Auburn, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame, but chose USC.

Xavier Jordan – Wide Receiver

Xavier Jordan is a 6’1″, 185 lb. wide receiver.

As a junior at Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, CA, Jordan led the State with 20 touchdown receptions.

247Sports provides this scouting report concerning Jordan:

“He’s still a very skillful receiver with high level body control and the ability to win jump ball catches despite not being an overly big receiver. He runs well and knows how to change speeds and how to set up a corner. He’s an advanced route runner and can get deep and runs well after the catch. He needs to continue to fill out and add good weight but he definitely has all the tools to play at the highest level.”

Jordan was rated as the No. 4 player in the State of California by On3, and the No. 13 wide receiver in the country.

Jordan received offers from Ohio State, Oregon, Washington, Penn State, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Georgia, but chose to become a Trojan.

Jason Zandamela – Offensive Line

Jason Zandamela was born in Mozambique. Before coming to the United States in 2020, he did not play football

He is 6’3″ and weighs 290 lbs. He is touted as the “No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the country by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals.”

Jason Zandamela - Football - USC Athletics
USC Trojans -Star Offensive Lineman Jason Zandamela

247Sports Director of Scouting, Andrew Ivins, made the following observations about Zandamela:

“[Zandamela started] at center as a junior for Clearwater Academy International, which has cemented itself as a hub for overseas talent. He has a [n]aturally squatty base[,] [which] allows him to find plenty of leverage[,] while a powerful upper half makes his initial punch rather effective. He [s]hifts his weight well…. He [a]lso doesn’t struggle to get to the second level and put his nose on a linebacker, which suggests that he could thrive in a pin and pull-heavy offensive scheme.

“[He] [w]ill need to keep progressing and continue to soak up any and all coaching, but fluid movement patterns, explosive hips and prototypical frame (has a 81.5-inch wingspan on file) make him one of the more intriguing interior offensive line prospects in the 2024 recruiting cycle. [He] [s]hould be viewed as a potential multi-year starter in the middle at the Power Five level…. [He has] NFL upside.”

Zandamela received offers from Auburn, Arizona State, Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, Miami, Oregon and Stanford before selecting USC.

Carlon Jones – Defensive End

Carlon Jones is a defensive lineman from Texas. He is 6’3″ and weighs 290 lbs. He was First-Team All-State in high school.

Carlon Jones - Football - USC Athletics
USC Trojans Four-Star Defensive End Carlon Jones

In high school, Jones also played basketball and competed in track and field, where he excelled in the shot put.

In his senior season, he had 95 tackles, 30 stops for loss, 23 quarterback hurries and 17 sacks.

Jones received offers from Nebraska, Alabama, Ohio State, Utah, and TCU, but decided upon USC.

Jones explained his reasons for choosing USC:

“[I chose] USC because coach [Shaun] Nua was sincere with me about everything. Coach [Lincoln] Riley and [D’Anton] Lynn let me know they needed more size to compete in the Big Ten. I will get a chance to hit the field early also. [There’s] a lot of networking capabilities for life after football and the weather is second to none.”

Elijah Newby – Linebacker

Elijah Newby is a linebacker from Connecticut. He is the No. 3 rated player from the State of Connecticut and the No. 14 rated linebacker in the country.

He is 6’4″ and weighs 210 lbs.

As reported by Sports Illustrated in November 2023:

“[Newby] played wide receiver for the majority of his [high school] football career but recently began playing, and dominating, on the defensive side of the ball.”

Newby received “more than 30 Division I college football offers.”

Four-star LB Elijah Newby commits to USC
USC Trojans Standout Recruit Elijah Newby

Coach Lincoln Riley envisions Newby playing in a variety of different capacities for the Trojans. However, for now, he is playing inside linebacker.

Walter Matthews – Tight End

Walter Matthews is a 6’7″, 250 lb., tight end from Georgia. He is rated the No. 2 tight end in the country by ESPN.

Matthews was a talented basketball player in high school. In the football season of his junior year, he caught 20 passes, eight of which were touchdown receptions.

Per Sports Illustrated, Matthews was “simply too big and too fast for high school cornerbacks to handle.” It is difficult to bring him down as a ball carrier. “He is George Kittle-esque in that sense.”

He was recruited by Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas, Penn State, and Oklahoma, but chose USC.

Joey Olsen – Tight End

Joey Olsen is the No. 1 rated player from the from the State of Oregon and the No. 13 rated tight end in the country.

Together with Matthews, Olsen provides the Trojans with a strong haul at the tight end position.

Per 247Sports:

“Olsen [was] mostly a receiver in high school but projects to play tight end in college with his size and frame and potential to add more weight. He’s a natural pass catcher, with good speed and a wide catch radius. He can get off the ball quickly with his initial release and has good body control when adjusting to the ball, able to go up or down to reel passes in. He’ll need to continue to develop as a blocker since he[] mostly split out wide in high school but he’s a certain red zone threat as a pass catcher.”

Olsen chose USC over Oregon, Washington, Tennessee, Utah, and Penn State.

Marquis Gallegos – Safety

Marquis Gallegos is the No. 20 rated safety in the nation.

247Sports posted the following scouting report regarding Gallegos:

“Gallegos is arguably the most instinctive safety in the state [of California] and has been since his sophomore year. [He is a] coach on the field and always looks like he’s 2-3 steps ahead of everyone else. He [s]hows range in the secondary and excellent ball skills. [He is a] [b]ig hitter as well and an excellent open field tackler.

“[He has a] [l]ean frame and will need to add some bulk to compete in the rugged Big 10 but has already packed on some size since he enrolled early at USC. He’s a good athlete but can continue to improve his overall athleticism as well. [He] [r]elies more on his instinct and feel to be in the right position over being able to run down plays from behind. [He is a] great leader and a player we could see being a future defensive captain down the road.”

 

Gallegos chose USC over Michigan, Oregon, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Tennessee, UCLA, Washington, and Texaqs A&M.

Makai Saina – Offensive Line

Makai Saina is the No. 20 rated interior lineman in the country. He is from Texas

Per Sports Illustrated:

“[Saina] one of four offensive line commits in the Trojan’s 2024 class. The 6-4 ~280 pound interior lineman does have experience playing left tackle, but given his height, his potential may be higher as a guard or a center.

“Saina is very technically sound, but his physicality is the highlight of his skillset. He’s got a devastating punch and is explosive out of his stance. He’s got solid hip mobility and plays with elite leverage. His first two steps out of his stance are lightning-fast, allowing him to get into the chest of the defender he’s blocking in an instant.

“As far as pass protection, he’s solid there too. [He] [h]as good balance coming out of his stance and impressive lateral speed when he’s out at tackle. [He] [c]an transition from kick step to a power step with ease. Saina’s skillset is versatile, but we think he would be best utilized as a guard at the next level.”

Saina chose USC over Texas, Georgia, Auburn, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Miami, Oregon, and Wisconsin.

USC locks in official visit with 4-star OL, key 2024 target out of Texas - Saturday Out West
Incoming USC Trojan Offensive Lineman Makai Saina

Isaiah Rubin – Cornerback

Isaiah Rubin is the No. 32 rated cornerback in the country. He is 6’1″ and weighs 170 lbs.

In addition to being a top-flight defensive back, Rubin is a skilled kick returner. In his senior year in high school, he had seven interceptions (including three pick-sixes) and four punt returns for touchdowns.

Perhaps Rubin will split some time returning kicks with USC’s electrifying return specialist, Zachariah Branch.

USC Trending for 4-Star Local Cornerback Isaiah Rubin
USC Trojans Four-Star Recruit Isaiah Rubin

Per Sports Illustrated, Rubin has an “elite” ability to change direction and “plays with a ton of confidence.”

“He also has a great feel for down/distance and formation recognition. He knows where his threats are and knows where his help is, which allows him to diagnose plays quickly.

“After a year of development, look for Rubin to step into the mix at cornerback in the second year at USC.”

Rubin received offers from Texas A&M, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Colorado, but signed with USC.

Desman Stephens II – Linebacker

Desman Stephens II is a standout athlete from Michigan. He is the No. 6 rated player from the State of Michigan. He is 6’3″ and weighs 225 lbs. USC lists him as a linebacker in the team roster, and he is the No. 14 rated linebacker prospect in the country.

247Sports provides the following scouting report:

“High school cornerback and wide receiver who will transition to another position in college, likely strong safety, [line]backer or a hybrid position. Has great size, well proportioned and long. Shows very good ball skills from his receiver background and played the ball well as a corner. Physical and will come up in run support and deliver big hits. Shows solid hips and change of direction as a cornerback that will help him at another position. Will be able to be an asset in coverage as a backer or hybrid. Can play man on tight ends and backs. Will need a moment to adjust to a new spot, but is a good all around football player who we think will easily transition.”

Desman Stephens II (@DesmanIi) / X

Stephens received offers from Purdue, Vanderbilt, Boston College, Louisville, and Michigan State, but committed to USC.

For more related sports news, focused primarily on the USC Trojans, SMU Mustangs, and Los Angeles Rams, please follow me at @vshjah_Victor.

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Victor is an experienced researcher and sports writer. He is a graduate of Penn State University, where he transferred after beginning his undergraduate studies at SMU in Dallas.

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