Lincoln Riley’s Recruiting Travels

Where’s Lincoln? Analyzing the USC head coach’s recruiting itinerary…

Riley has been especially active in Big Ten country and the South over the past couple weeks, signaling a key shift in program-building philosophy

A Lincoln Riley-themed map of the high schools the USC head coach has visited across the past couple weeks, using website pinmaps.net for reference.
A Lincoln Riley-themed map of the high schools he has visited across the past couple weeks, using website pinmaps.net for reference.

Luca Evans (OC Register)  —  LOS ANGELES — From Jan. 22-26, a period of about 87 hours and 3,662 miles traversed, Lincoln Riley was in eight states in less than four days.

Such is life for USC’s head football coach, trying to plant the seeds for a 2025 recruiting class that already includes top-ranked Georgia quarterback Julian Lewis – assuming they can keep him from flipping to Georgia or another Big Ten program, which will be a tall order. Still, Riley has hit the recruiting trail across this second permissible contact period with a level of ferocity hardly matched across the country, his face popping up across Twitter the past couple of weeks from gleeful high schools commemorating his visits. Such ferocity, in fact, that it practically requires a degree in cartography to figure out the man’s travel itinerary.

Take this, for example. On Jan. 24, Riley spent the morning visiting 2025 running back Marquise Davis and 2025 cornerback Trey McNutt at Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights in Cleveland, respectively. He then flew into Huntington, West Virginia, and drove up to Ironton, Ohio, as detailed by Ironton High coach Trevon Pendleton, then somehow made it to Chicago that night – about 450 miles away – to visit Fenwick High. The only explanation for the execution of such activity, it seems, is witchcraft. Or a private jet. That, too.

From visits posted on social media (it’s quite possible there are more), The Southern California News Group charted every Riley stop across the past two weeks on the recruiting trail in the bulletin board below, using the mapping service pinmaps.net.

The details of Riley’s travel demonstrate a clear effort to build a recruiting presence in certain areas across the country, and further establish his philosophy in building USC’s foundation coming off a disappointing year – most starkly, hitting the trenches in Georgia and traversing Big Ten country.

“Now, they’re going to be right in the spotlight of Midwestern football,” said Pendleton, who has seen USC at Ironton in the past but still described Riley’s visit as a “unique” situation. “So I think, with that being said, they’re going to target some Midwest kids more.”

BIG TEN FOCUS

Barris Grant has been coaching at Hillside High in New Jersey for nine years. Riley’s visit to Hillside to chat with junior edge rusher Darren Ikinnagbon on Jan. 22, Grant said, was the first time USC had come out in his tenure – and Ikinnagbon the first potential Jersey kid to play for USC, that Grant could remember, since linebacker Brian Cushing.

“Takes us back to the glory days, right?” Grant said Wednesday.

USC has actually had a couple of Jersey kids since Cushing, in former linebacker Anthony Sarao and safety Antwine Perez. The point still stands, though. And Riley’s visit spoke volumes about the program’s belief in Ikinnagbon, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound edge rusher who’s deep on the national radar but is one of the best-rated prospects in New Jersey.

“He thought Darren was (one of the) top three recruits in the nation, told him he’d look great in a Trojans uniform,” Grant remembered Riley telling Ikinnagbon.

Along with Ikinnagbon, Riley is making a clear point to plant roots in the northeast United States, notable as USC enters the northeast-centered Big Ten in 2024. Excessively nitty-gritty data shows that USC has made a clear effort to recruit Big Ten-area recruits harder since news of their conference realignment broke in summer 2022. After generally doling out around 8% of their total offers to recruits in states with a Big Ten football program, USC has targeted about 15% of their offers in the 2024 and 2025 classes in Big Ten country, a jump that’s higher than any other program (Oregon, UCLA, Washington) also entering the conference.

In addition to Ohio and Jersey, Riley hit Maryland (quarterback Nick Cyrus and 315-pound lineman Mekhi Cousar) and Pennsylvania (linebacker Alex Tatsch) on Jan. 23, while also traversing Kansas on Jan. 25.

“If they’re going to be competitive in the Big Ten,” Stephens said of USC, “they’re going to have to do that, and be able to recruit the Midwest.”

GEORGIA BOYS

Our guys don’t look like that. We will soon. 

The words foreshadowed USC’s recruiting approach for years to come. It was Riley’s promise after Georgia’s national championship win in 2022, pointing to the heft and size of their defensive line. And since, Riley has specifically targeted Georgia to bolster USC’s foundation in the trenches, continued with a couple days of travel in January.

On Jan. 17, Riley visited three Georgia programs in which USC has offered a defensive lineman – Cavalry Day’s Walter Mathis, 320-pound Greene County tackle Kevin Wynn, and Savannah Christian Prep blue-chipper Elijah Griffin. It’s a clear continuation of a USC emphasis, hitting the South for pass-rushers and heft on the line. According to 247 Sports, USC hadn’t recruited a Georgia defensive lineman/outside linebacker since 2009. But in the 2024 class alone, they snagged two in Kameryn Fountain and Lorenzo Cowan. The push for Southern passing game-wrecking balls continues.

SO LONG, CALIFORNIA

One major weakness in USC’s recruiting approach under Riley has been a seeming inability to attract some of the top talent in California, frequently losing out to programs like Oregon. That appears intentional, at some level, as Riley has rarely missed opportunities to point out flaws in the roster he inherited when taking over as head coach in 2022.

“You go take a deep dive into, alright, what hasn’t quite clicked in the previous years and we really studied that,” Riley said on national signing day, “and I came here and I saw a roster full of California kids. Full of ’em.”

And the further dive into the Northeast, Midwest and South, along with the conference change, has brought a decreased emphasis in California. USC hosted plenty of local recruits for on-campus visits last weekend, but Riley has rarely been seen out at California programs over the past couple of weeks. Since 2022, USC has offered more recruits from Texas than from in-state.

“People have to realize we’re not in the Pac-12 anymore,” Riley said on signing day. “Those days are over. Look where we’re playing. Look at the competition that we’re playing.”

ocregister.com

___________

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Golden Trojan
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February 5, 2024 11:30 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Much like USC football with Caleb, WBB will need more than Ju Ju to go far in March, but beating the Furd is a big win.

ATL D.D.S.
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February 4, 2024 11:57 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I wonder if that is a record for ANY Trojan basetball player?

ATL D.D.S.
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February 4, 2024 12:03 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

good research Allen. thanks. she is a remarkable player.

SC Gator
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February 4, 2024 6:39 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I was a freshman and at the game when Block scored 45. So were about 1200 other people. He made 21 free throws and missed either zero or one. 45 is still the record.

Oh, and SC lost by a point.

TrojanRon
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February 6, 2024 8:53 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

John Block was the Center on that 1965-66 team. My Glendale High School coach Bill Westphal, Paul’s older brother, was a starting forward on that team. Interesting that actor Tom Selleck was a reserve on that team as well.

TrojanRJJ
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February 3, 2024 12:31 pm

Finally, in the news, 1, SC just hired another DL coach – he was Henderson’s assistant at the Rams. My guess is Henderson wants the additional help as he will be working with both the OL and the DL. Going to the B1G gave SC the funds to make hires like this. And, Jen Cohen is willing to spend the money. I reiterate, I am really impressed by Cohen, LR and Lynn. I think SC has the best run athletic department and football coaching staff in the B1G. 2.Kingsbury just withdrew from the Raider OC position. My guess is he… Read more »

Chris
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February 3, 2024 5:15 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

Why would Henderson work with the OL?

TrojanRJJ
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February 4, 2024 12:43 pm
Reply to  Chris

Chris, Henderson has 3 titles: (1) co-DC, (2) head DL coach, and (3) run game coordinator. His third title means to me that he is going to be working with the OL, the RBs and the WRs (for blocking downfield). If his third title was not merely window dressing, he will need help with the DL.

Chris
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February 4, 2024 12:57 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

Gotcha. As I understand it, he is the defensive run game coordinator.

ATL D.D.S.
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February 4, 2024 12:01 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

ChocoChipster going back to NFL? Probably. The dumpster fire that is ucla football continues its conflagration. I am so sad😆

TrojanRJJ
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February 4, 2024 12:45 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

It is amazing just how much a mess UCLA football is now in. And, think, at season’s end, UCLA had just destroyed SC (that was about as bad a beat down of a good SC team by a mediocre UCLA team I can recall) and won their bowl game. I am so sad for the Bruins!

SC Gator
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February 4, 2024 6:41 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

I feel your grief, RJ. Cry me a river for the Bruins.

parcelman007
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February 3, 2024 9:32 am

Good article by Dan Weber on how much money SC is making mostly off of football. They were #13 in the country from 2020-2022(two of those seasons were not good at all). Oregon is not even on the list. Neither is Miami(another big spending school). Florida State and Tennessee who are being investigated for spending violations are 19 and 14. You make money in college football. SC should start playing the game of spending more in their NIL.
https://247sports.com/college/usc/article/usc-football-column-dan-weber-trojans-revenue-big-ten-move-226562374/

TrojanRJJ
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February 3, 2024 12:20 pm
Reply to  parcelman007

Parcelman, I think SC is playing the NIL game very well. Did you see that the B1G and the SEC commissioners met this last week. My guess is Saban leaving AL caused shock waves in the SEC. Look for these two conferences to adopt rules on “first year” NIL deals., basically controlling the NIL payments to high school kids and transfers. Hence, these rules are about to change. SC has decided to await the final outcome of the process. I do not disagree with the call. I liked Arhedge’s approach – all pay for play NIL deals for first year… Read more »

parcelman007
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February 3, 2024 5:41 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

A lot of this is hard to understand. You must be a lawyer. But if you do know what you are talking about that is encouraging that they can put some restraints on this zero restraint free agency whereby the rich schools will win most of the championships and eventually destroy college football.

TrojanRJJ
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February 4, 2024 12:46 pm
Reply to  parcelman007

Sorry I made it so difficult. Not my intent. And, yes, I am a retired lawyer. Graduated from USC Law.

TrojanRJJ
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February 3, 2024 12:01 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Allen, This confirms to me what I wrote yesterday about Andy – his career is now over. I imagine Collins looks at himself as the male equivalent to Watkins. Watkins was the star of ESPN this morning. Has Collins ever made such a splash? Did Collins have SC in the top 10 in the country? Do you think Collins is going to tell himself that he was not the legitimate #1 player in the country? Andy took a huge risk in taking on Collins. I think Andy lost that bet. And lost it big.

Chris
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February 2, 2024 8:59 pm

Anyone else watching Juju Watkins drop 51? Wow!

Chris
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February 2, 2024 4:38 pm

Too much smoke now- SEC and Big10 will make their own football conference apart from the NCAA and it will be done by 2025. Not sure what it will look like, but college football as we have known it is officially dead. Glad we are in one of the two power conferences.

Golden Trojan
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February 2, 2024 5:23 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Add the best 6 programs from the Big 12 and ACC to the BIG/SEC and you have the new D-1 football. Yes Chris, glad SC is part of it.

Golden Trojan
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February 2, 2024 11:42 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

The Bears have a first round QB from 3 years ago, Justin Fields. If I were the Bears GM I would work on building a team around Fields, not start over paying first pick money to CW. Trade down to get more picks. Should be fun the next 3 months to see the rumors on where CW may go and finally end up. Who has a good team that needs to just plug in a great QB to take off?

volunteerTrojan
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February 2, 2024 2:41 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Remember Jim McMahon in the Bears uniform? Partying in NO at the super bowl with the 85 Bears? How about the Rozelle headband? What a hoot, and a one hit wonder.

volunteerTrojan
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February 2, 2024 2:46 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Boom, there it is! Nice get.

Jamaica
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February 2, 2024 10:35 am
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It wouldn’t surprise me or anyone else for that matter, if Kelly leaves the Bruin administration would go after the star of last year’s team, Lynn. In that scenario, would Lynn understand the limitations he would have to overcome trying to build & win in an environment of mediocre support. He’s in a program right now that wants to win national championships. Across town, what do they want to win? Anyone know? But crazy as it sounds, what if Kelly does leave, and Lynn stays at USC, who else is out there that would get everyone’s attention, who himself has… Read more »

TrojanRJJ
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February 2, 2024 2:20 pm
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Jamaica, See my above post. I think there is next to zero chance that Lynn and Henderson (they are a package) would leave the huge upside they have at SC for a grease fire of a program where the odds of destroying your career are quite high. If Lynn and Henderson move SC to heights totally unexpected (imagine winning a NC In Year 2), how much do you think those guys will be worth? They will be able to take over another B1G team or an SEC team with huge salaries, momentum, massive resources, and upside. I am really impressed… Read more »

TrojanRJJ
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February 2, 2024 2:12 pm
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Allen, were you ever right on Chip being an A-Hole. Per reports, he is actively interviewing for NFL OC jobs. KK beat him out for Las Vegas. He is now supposedly actively interviewing for the Washington job with Dan Quinn. If he leaves now, UCLA is totally hosed. All the quality coaches have landed jobs. Will Lynn want to take over a grease fire for his first HC job? I just do not see it. I think Lynn and Henderson came to SC as a package to shock the world next year. I really do. Can you imagine how much… Read more »

Jamaica
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February 3, 2024 10:27 am
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That administration across town could follow UDUBs (Jen Cohen) hiring a few years back hiring a successful division 2/3 HC like a DeBoer who would jump at an opportunity. Or some assistant coach at a Big Ten/SEC school wanting a HC job. It just wouldn’t be a big name. But that has never been a problem at a basketball school.

TrojanRon
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February 4, 2024 5:58 am
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

It will be interesting to see how things unfold on the other side of town. I don’t think UCLA’s football program will ever be on par with their basketball program, or what used to be a powerhouse program back in the day. On the same thread, USC will always be a football school. When I was a student at SC in the 70s, we had an excellent basketball program under Bob Boyd with players like Paul Westphal and Gus Williams. John McKay and the footballers were winning Nattys, so the basketball program was second fiddle and it always has been.… Read more »

TrojanRJJ
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February 4, 2024 12:49 pm
Reply to  TrojanRon

I agree. But, I do not think SC wants a crappy men’s BB program. And, unfortunately, this is the worst men’s team I can recall. At a time when the women’s team is soaring. As I have written, I think Andy’s tenure is now over. If Andy stays, next year’s team will be as bad as this one, maybe worse.

TrojanRon
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February 5, 2024 3:55 am
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I agree with you 100% TrojanRJJ. If it weren’t for the Mobley’s, I think Andy would have been gone by now. It always amazes me how his teams can be poor in shooting free throws, when Andy was one of the all-time career leaders in college basketball. When he played at John’s Hopkins in the early 90s, he shot over 90% from the line for his career. Yet he can’t coach his team to shoot well from the line.

Jamaica
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February 3, 2024 10:00 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

What A position that school across town is in. With their HC wanting out and not being shy about it. And it’s all their fault for being less supportingly cheap. Actually Kelly worked some wonders making his program competitive these past few years. But now going into a super conference making big money, they are like always, sitting on their hands and being minimal. Football over there is about participating just like their big brother CAL. Not about winning championships at any level.

TrojanRon
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February 2, 2024 6:26 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Although I find Bill Walton incredibly annoying on broadcasts and always mute the broadcast when he’s the analyst, I have to agree with him. Maybe SC can turn things around when Collier gets back; hopefully before the PAC-12 tournament in Las Vegas.

TrojanRJJ
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February 2, 2024 2:01 pm
Reply to  TrojanRon

Ron, As I state above, why would Collins return? He is better off simply calling it a season and getting ready for the NBA or to transfer.

TrojanRJJ
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February 2, 2024 2:00 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I know little to nothing about either collegiate or professional BB. But, I think I can “read the signs.” I think Andy has now entered in the “Grinch zone”, a place where you made a mistake that formed a narrative that simply cannot be fixed. Andy got the #1 prospect in the country, he got Bronny James (the largest young BB influencer in the nation – for those who do not know what that is – it is having a large number of internet followers – I think Bronny has about 7,000,000), and he had most of last year’s team… Read more »

volunteerTrojan
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February 2, 2024 2:44 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

You’re spot on. Plus, as HC of bruins, Lynn would have to deal with the offense too. Just no long term upside.

TrojanRon
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February 2, 2024 6:31 am
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This might be the home game I’ll attend in person. It is a 5-hour drive for me to get to the Coliseum from where I am living in Bullhead City, Arizona and I’m planning on going to one game this year. I’m sure Grinch has a grudge and will be doing everything he can to capture some revenge from USC who fired him.

volunteerTrojan
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February 2, 2024 8:32 am
Reply to  TrojanRon

Doesn’t worry me. Grinch’s grudge match D did nothing against Utah the last 3 times we played them.

Trojanfanatic
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February 1, 2024 6:21 pm

If we just have an average spirited defense this year, not one which garnered national attention the last two, we will start to punch, counter punch with the Lannings.

Steveg
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February 1, 2024 5:06 pm

Riley is working it and planting those seeds that will fullfill the USC recruiting needs. Those Cali kids will come when USC gets in the game monetarily. But then those big southern kids will come also when USC gets into the game full blown. Along with the attraction of the new coaching staff things have to get better for recruiting. I wonder how many of the CA recruits that went to Oregon or elsewhere are having second thoughts. We don’t get to hear much about that.

parcelman007
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February 1, 2024 4:53 pm

Really good short video on how NIL and transfer portal are ruining college football and how in the near future the schools will only be able to keep the really good college coaches one year or so before they leave for the pros where they can do what they really want to do…..coach….and not recruit and babysit these kids.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3b_r4vnyd8&list=PLPIS6q7he8Gc7-RCXWFfzQK7w4agPNytT&index=1

ATL D.D.S.
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February 2, 2024 12:08 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Good riddance!

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