USC Football Early Signing Period 2019: DT Kobe Pepe signs with the Trojans

USC commit Kobe Pepe puts the ink to paper and signs with the Trojans. The three star defensive tackle out of St. John Bosco is the latest to recruit to sign with USC during the early signing period.

Pepe verbally committed to the Trojans back in June and has not looked back ever since. With his signing, the Trojans continue their Bosco pipeline as they’ve done for quite some time. Pepe also held offers from Washington State, Arizona State, Oregon,Penn State, Michigan and Colorado.

The St. John Bosco product is ranked as the No. 47 defensive tackle in the 2020 recruiting class and ranked No. 49 recruit in the state of California per the 247 Sports composite. Pepe is also ranked No. 553 in the 2020 recruiting class per the composite. At 6’1, 293 pounds, Pepe is a definition of “Don’t let the stars fool you”.

He is one of the best defensive lineman in a very competitive Trinity League. Pepe put up monster numbers during his senior season leading the team in total tackles with 74, tackle for loss with 12.5 and sacks (11). He was a major contributor for the Braves national championship season. He was also voted as the Trinity League’s lineman of the year.

Pepe will be an early enrollee, joining a veteran USC defensive line that will have Marlon Tuipulotu, Brandon Pili, and Jay Tufele on the inside. The three star defensive tackle can make an early impact with the Trojans and has the versatility to play on the interior line or move to the edge.