Conquest Chronicles - USC Trojans Football Recruiting: 2016 National Signing Daya USC Trojans Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48551/conquestchronicles_fave.png2016-02-05T12:45:32-08:00http://www.conquestchronicles.com/rss/stream/106697092016-02-05T12:45:32-08:002016-02-05T12:45:32-08:00Signing Day Review
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lLyejohgNPXXCJ_ceLdH4gD-9zE=/0x0:1989x1326/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48740355/GettyImages-56032002.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Mega POD with the Reign of Troy squad recapping an excellent signing day for the Trojans.</p> <p><span>Follow us on soundcloud and twitter @THT_USC and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes. Part two of the podcast is on the Reign of Troy site!</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/245546337&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false"></iframe></p>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2016/2/5/10924402/traveler-hates-thursdays-podcast-episode-26SamanD2016-02-04T09:08:27-08:002016-02-04T09:08:27-08:00Jack Jones Commits with Snoop Dogg
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e3VJpbTvBEBhbbiEZfe8QpHuTR4=/0x142:1989x1468/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48730907/GettyImages-56032002.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>One of the Biggest USC Supporters, Snoop Dogg, helped out the newest member of the Trojan family. </p> <p>The USC Trojans had one of the best National Signing Days in the country on Wednesday. The Trojans appeared to start off slow on the recruiting trail but finished with strong class of 19 recruits (all of the scholarships they had to give this year) and the best recruiting class in the Pac-12.</p>
<p>One of the blue chip recruits who joined the Trojans on National Signing Day over Alabama, Texas A&M, and UCLA and others was <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2016/2/3/10902882/2016-national-signing-day-long-beach-poly-star-picks-usc/in/10669709">Jack Jones from Long Beach Poly</a>. His fellow Long Beach Poly alum Biggie Marshall announced his committment to USC in a Bleacher Report video. Jack Jones got in on the act by committing to USC in a video with <a href="https://twitter.com/SnoopDogg/status/694998824142508034">Snoop Dogg released on twitter</a>.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-video">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Coach Snoop got the exclusive ! <a href="https://twitter.com/SnoopLeague">@snoopleague</a> alum n <a href="https://twitter.com/LBPoly_Football">@LBPoly_Football</a> 5-star recruit <a href="https://twitter.com/presidentjacc">@presidentjacc</a> announcement !!<a href="https://t.co/QaMtKEDgYf">https://t.co/QaMtKEDgYf</a></p>
— Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) <a href="https://twitter.com/SnoopDogg/status/694998824142508034">February 3, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>It turns out Jones played in the Snoop Youth Football league when he was a child and in the video he attributes some of his success to the coaching he received from Snoop's league. Snoop also appears to have a connection with Jone's parents and family.</p>
<p>Here is his <a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2780801/highlights/304838395/v3">highlight tape from Hudl:</a></p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/2780801/highlights/304838395"></iframe></p>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2016/2/4/10916330/usc-recruiting-blue-chip-recruit-jack-jones-commits-with-snoop-doggnickdempsey2016-02-04T08:19:13-08:002016-02-04T08:19:13-08:00Pac-12 Recruiting Breakdown
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RkV9FHyzCCEttfNAJcK4S_SQ8vc=/0x3:7360x4910/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48730471/usa-today-8909918.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We spoke with some of the best bloggers from around the Pac-12 to breakdown how well teams in the conference finished on the recruiting trail on National Signing Day 2016</p> <p>For more great college football videos from around the country check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOBtSrRG8K9LR5w5Np3fmA">MarkRogersTV on YouTube</a>.</p>
<p>-------------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p><strong>From "</strong><a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2016/2/3/10910426/usc-trojans-recruiting-oluwole-betiku-is-the-right-pick-up-on-national-signing-day"><strong>Oluwole Betiku is the right pick up on National Signing Day</strong></a><strong>" on Conquest Chronicles</strong>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"<em>The USC Trojans had a fantastic National Signing Day this year with plenty of recruits rated in the top 300 by ESPN. This signing class featured several athletes who play both wide receiver and defensive back. ESPN rated this signing class one of the top 15 in the nation that also featured a great dual threat quarterback in Matt Fink and several talented big men up front on both sides of the ball. All but a handful of the players in this recruiting class were either four or five star recruits. One of USC's five star recruits is defensive end Oluwole Betiku.</em></p>
<p><em>Betiku had never played football until he moved to the United States from Nigeria in 2013. Once in America the now 6'4" 239 pounder from Junipero Serra High School transformed himself from a football neophyte into one of the best players in the entire country with offers from several schools including UCLA</em>."</p>
</blockquote>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2016/2/4/10916136/2016-national-signing-day-pac-12-conference-breakdown-with-marknickdempsey2016-02-03T16:32:56-08:002016-02-03T16:32:56-08:00 Betiku is the right pick up
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BT4R__S5qF9skmziN7pwKtcS7bE=/0x53:7193x4848/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48725955/usa-today-8909935.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Oluwole Betiku could prove to be an outstanding contributor to the USC Trojans defense.</p> <p>The right pick up can make all the difference to a program. Same goes for your rental car experience. <a href="http://f.curbed.cc/f/Enterprise_PickUp_PSLink" rel="nofollow">Pick Enterprise</a> and see how we go the extra mile for our customers every day.</p>
<p>The USC Trojans had <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2016/2/3/10905668/usc-trojans-football-recruiting-2016-national-signing-day">a fantastic National Signing Day</a> this year with plenty of recruits rated in the top 300 by ESPN. This signing class featured several athletes who play both wide receiver and defensive back. ESPN rated this signing class one of the top 15 in the nation that also featured a great <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2016/2/3/10861180/2016-national-recruiting-day-usc-signs-three-star-dual-threat-qb/in/10669709">dual threat quarterback in Matt Fink</a> and several talented big men up front on both sides of the ball. All but a handful of the players in this recruiting class were either four or five star recruits. One of USC's five star recruits is defensive end Oluwole Betiku.</p>
<p>Betiku had never played football until he moved to the United States from Nigeria in 2013. Once in America the now 6'4" 239 pounder from Junipero Serra High School transformed himself from a football neophyte into one of the best players in the entire country with offers from several schools including UCLA.</p>
<p><b>From the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2016/2/3/10888038/2016-national-signing-day-five-star-defensive-end-signs-with-the">Betiku signing announcement</a></b>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"<i>After originally committing to UCLA, Betiku de-committed from the Bruins in November and USC was instantly named the favorite to land the defensive end. Betiku gave USC coaches and fans a great Christmas gift when he committed to the Trojans on December 25th.</i></p>
<p><i>Betiku is ranked as the #3 defensive end in this year's class according to Scout and he had a great 2015 campaign with 70 tackles, 28 tackles for a loss, and 17 sacks. Betiku's instincts are off the charts and as a rush edge, Betiku has been clocked at 4.57 for the 40-yard dash</i>."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Saying the USC defense struggled last season is a bit of an understatement. USC has made sweeping changes to the defensive coaching staff including bringing in <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2016/1/14/10753500/usc-trojans-football-advanced-stats-look-at-newly-hired-Clancy-Pendergast">Clancy Pendergast as defensive coordinator</a> but the Trojans are also looking to rebuild the line after losing several defensive lineman. Oluwole Betiku is an elite player that the USC defense should be able to build around for years to come.</p>
<p>Check out some of Betiku's <a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3548849/highlights/214453398/v3">highlights from hudl</a>:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/3548849/highlights/214453398"></iframe></p>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2016/2/3/10910426/usc-trojans-recruiting-oluwole-betiku-is-the-right-pick-up-on-national-signing-daynickdempsey2016-02-03T13:52:47-08:002016-02-03T13:52:47-08:00USC Misses on Both De La Salle Recruits
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mItJTiGVLu-6M511HhDmM5y7R3E=/0x0:4183x2789/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48724231/usa-today-9026914.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Boss Tagaloa and Devin Asiasi spurn USC and head to UCLA and Michigan, respectively </p> <p>Around lunch time on National Signing Day 2016 both De La Salle USC targets decided their college fate. <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Devin-Asiasi-45512">Devin Asiasi</a> chose to be apart of the Michigan Wolverines and <a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Player/Boss-Tagaloa-32837">Boss Tagaloa</a> chose to stay home, but go to UCLA. Asiasi seemed the most likely of the two to commit to USC, but USC missed on both of these two.</p>
<p>Both Tagaloa and Asiasi were four-star recruits, Tagaloa is a defensive tackle and Asiasi is a tight end. In the final 247sports rankings, <a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Season/2016-Football/CompositeRecruitRankings?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool&Position=DT">Tagaloa was the 13th best defensive tackle</a> and Asiasi was the <a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Season/2016-Football/CompositeRecruitRankings?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool&Position=TE">3rd best tight end.</a> These two recruits would have been a great get for this 2016 class, but sadly E.J. Price took the second to last scholarship and USC would only have room for one of them.</p>
<p>In the 2016 class, USC has only one defensive tackle, three-star Joshua Fatu, and only one tight end, four-star Cary Angeline. There are currently no more tight ends or defensive tackles on the board for USC, because most analysts believe the last scholarship is going to go to <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2016/2/3/10902882/2016-national-signing-day-long-beach-poly-star-picks-usc">five-star Jack Jones</a>.</p>
<p>The USC class seems to be all wrapped up and it is a great class, but certainly could have been better. Stay tuned to Conquest Chronicles for more recruiting coverage and an assessment of the incoming class.</p>
<p>Here is the class of 2016 as it stands right now:</p>
<p><iframe class="twofourseven-embed" style="max-width: 100%" frameborder="0" width="600px" height="200px" src="http://usc.247sports.com/Season/2016-Football/Commits/Embed"></iframe>
<script src="http://assets.247sports.com/Scripts/Shared/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2016/2/3/10908798/2016-usc-football-recruiting-usc-misses-on-both-de-la-salle-recruitsSean Levy2016-02-03T13:43:15-08:002016-02-03T13:43:15-08:002016 NSD: Jack Jones is a Trojan!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1KfczYOSGibG_Mm-zqpjSW9Vgjk=/0x27:5440x3654/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48717083/usa-today-8965042.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Jack Jones joins two of his best friends (Iman Marshall and JuJu Smith-Schuster) at USC.</p> <h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 32px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; line-height: 36px; font-family: 'Sentinel SSm A', 'Sentinel SSm B', Georgia, serif; color: #292929;">Jack Jones</h3>
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">Athlete</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">Long Beach Poly HS (Long Beach, CA)</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">Ht: 5'11" / Wt: 175</li>
</ul>
<div><br></div>
<div>For the third straight year, USC was fortunate enough to land Long Beach Poly's best recruit. Two years ago, on ESPNU, JuJu Smith-Schuster chose USC while last year Iman "Biggie" Marshall released a video on Bleacher Report giving his commitment to USC. This year, it was Jack Jones, one of the nation's best athletes who, moments ago, committed to USC over Alabama, Texas A&M, and UCLA among others.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Jack Jones had a great senior year and can play either wide receiver or defensive back for the Trojans. Given how deep USC will be at receiver next year, Jones could be a lock-down cornerback and play alongside his former high school teammate, Marshall. Jones is also a phenomenal return man and with the bag of tricks that special teams coach John Baxter has, I can imagine USC's two kick-returners to be Jones and Adoree' Jackson.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Jones had 42 receptions for 837 yards and 11 touchdowns during his final year as a Jackrabbit and <a href="http://www.scout.com/player/187772-jack-jones" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Scout</a> has the five-star athlete as the number one athlete in the nation and 15th best prospect overall.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Here is his highlight tape from Hudl</div>
<div><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/2780801/highlights/304838395" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>
<div><br></div>
<div><br></div>
<div><br></div>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2016/2/3/10902882/2016-national-signing-day-long-beach-poly-star-picks-uscJulianLopez2016-02-03T13:15:51-08:002016-02-03T13:15:51-08:002016 NSD: Vaughns signs with USC
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UjyzAS_Qdyj37MY2kc2_HThPDlU=/0x253:3072x2301/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48705527/13091913934_47a3f751f2_o.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption><a href='https://www.flickr.com/photos/studentsportsphotos/13091913934/in/photolist-kWTtU3-5zGafi-5uWQWd-aoE46j-5uWXb3-vFz3xs-nh65cZ-ejALnJ-ejALiN-awuysi-dVcMRm-51QnPc-5wf47S-d9wTbW-bQBQpv-ptbCLW-pdJGCv-pdHz2T-ri3BSW-rgYtg1-rzvhC5-rghxi6-qCBpqy-qCBrbh-qCBpeb-kZ6RN8-qCBqVh-rxjkBE-ri3DzU-ri3Dz3-9zH2X4-9zH2jg-m3Xxna-9zH2E2-qCPBgH-qCBqQs-74UB1C-cWGF8u-aPj8BZ-aPesYV-aPessR-aPj9CF-aPj7sr-bMCAY4-aPj8NR-aPeu2x-anKfcv-ony9dZ-v4qgZb-w1r9m4'>Student Sports</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Vaughns has been ranked as one of the top receivers in the Class of 2016 by various recruiting websites.</p> <h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 32px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; line-height: 36px; font-family: 'Sentinel SSm A', 'Sentinel SSm B', Georgia, serif; color: #292929;">Tyler Vaughns</h3>
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">Wide Receiver</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">Bishop Amat HS (La Puente, CA)</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">Ht: 6'2" / Wt: 179</li>
</ul>
<div><br></div>
<div>When you think of an explosive receiver who runs crisp routes with great hands, Bishop Amat wide receiver Tyler Vaughns should instantly come to mind. Vaughns committed to USC last August and will join his Amat teammate, wide receiver Trevon Sidney, at USC.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Vaughns is ranked as the number one receiver according to <a href="http://www.scout.com/player/181395-tyler-vaughns?s=15" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Scout</a> and the La Puente native had a nice showcase at the U.S. Army All American Game including a touchdown grab from Stanford commit K.J. Costello.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Vaughns had 84 receptions for 1,319 yards and 13 touchdowns in his senior year.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Here is his highlight tape from Hudl:</div>
<div><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/2474997/highlights/316307386" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>
<div><br></div>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2016/2/3/10892700/2016-national-signing-day-bishop-amat-star-signs-with-uscJulianLopez2016-02-03T13:15:20-08:002016-02-03T13:15:20-08:00WR Trevon Sidney signs with the USC Trojans
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xNlwODecyZO2KOrgOVmkRYz_7Bk=/0x0:4915x3277/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48722195/usa-today-8957853.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The good news for the USC Trojans on National Signing Day rolls on with Trevon Sidney signing. </p> <p>The USC Trojans picked up 4-star WR Trevon Sidney today on National Signing Day. Sidney, from La Puenta California is a Bishop Amat high school product who played both Wide receiver and defensive back.</p>
<p><br>Sidney had offers from 12 schools but has been verbally committed to USC for quite some time. He was recruited by Tee Martin and Johnny Nansen. Sidney took an official visit to USC in January and was the only school he visited Today Sidney officially is a USC Trojan.</p>
<p>You can check out his highlights here <a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2474989/highlights/314422395/v3">courtesy of hudl</a>:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/2474989/highlights/314422395"></iframe></p>
<p>Both<a href="http://www.scout.com/player/181396-trevon-sidney?s=15"> Scout </a>and <a href="http://247sports.com/player/trevon-sidney-49714">247</a> rank Sidney as one of the best wide receivers in the nation and both services have him ranked among the 300 best players in the country.</p>
<p>Be sure to follow Conquest Chronicles on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/conquestchronicles">facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/CChroniclesSBN">twitter</a>, or maybe consider <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2015/5/23/8618011/conquest-chronicles-join-the-team">joining our team</a>.</p>
<p>Fight on!</p>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2016/2/3/10906780/national-signing-day-2016-wr-trevon-sidney-signs-with-the-usc-trojansnickdempsey