Four-star Jesuit tackle Connor McLaughlin, shares thoughts on USC and visit plans

Connor McLaughlin is a four-star offensive tackle for Jesuit High School in Tampa, Florida. He recently was offered by the USC Trojans and tells Conquest Chronicles his thoughts on Clay Helton, academics, and visit plans.

The recruitment of four-star tackle Connor McLaughlin has been gaining traction since February of this year.

The 6-foot-7, 260 pounder has received 25 offers in the last four months. Yes you read that right, twenty-five scholarship offers.

McLaughlin is currently ranked as the No. 25 offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 37 player in the state of Florida per 247Sports.

USC has already made quite an impression on the young recruit since extending the offer on May 8. While he has no Crystal Ball Predictions yet, the Trojans are one to watch to snag McLaughlin.

McLaughlin describes the moment he received his offer from USC as surreal.

“I was so happy when I heard I had an offer from coach Helton. I felt my head get heavy and I sunk back into my seat and just sat there breathing heavily.”

Schools really started to take an interest in McLaughlin after he added 20 pounds to his frame following his junior season.

The first program to offer McLaughlin back in February, was the Illinois Fighting Illini. Since then, he has received offers from schools such as Florida State, Harvard, Miami, and Nebraska.

Come the end of his senior season next year, expect McLaughlin to double his already hefty offer list.

Though it has been a whirlwind, McLaughlin takes the increasing attention in stride.

“The process has been humbling and exciting. I have been pleasantly surprised by new schools all the time.”

Though McLaughlin lives in Florida, he is not hesitant at making the trip out West, and shared he “100 percent” plans to visit the Trojans in the summer.

McLaughlin has his pick on which part of the country he will play his college ball in, though he is looking for a few very important things.

“I look for academics, strength of the football team, the coaches and how I feel about the offense.”

The pressure is on for USC and Graham Harrell to have an impressive offensive season. After last year’s dismal showing, recruits will be looking for the team to trend up and into the end zone.

However, USC is already impressing McLaughlin in another category, academics.

“The academics at USC are pretty surprising to me, considering football is so serious there too.”

With a lot of schools, it’s either strong academics or a strong football program, USC has both on its resume.

McLaughlin is starting to build his relationships with the Trojans’ coaching staff as well.

“I have talked a lot with coach Helton, coach Vandermade and coach Harrell a lot, but I’ve yet to speak with coach Drevno.”

While McLaughlin still has time to acquire more offers, building relationships, and take visits across the country, USC already has an edge with the four-star.

“I rank USC among a very small company at the top of my list.”

Last recruiting cycle, USC signed only two offensive lineman, and acquired Tennessee grad transfer Drew Richmond.

This year the Trojans will be looking to fill out their offensive line, and McLaughlin would be the perfect addition to the roster.