QB Miller Moss on USC, UCLA, LSU, Recruiting Timeline and More

One of the top uncommitted quarterback prospects in the country, Miller Moss updates his options and decision-making timeline with SI All-American.

Miller Moss is in ideal position for a high school quarterback. 

The Mission Hills (Calif.) Bishop Allemany junior is coming off a strong season, throwing for 3,118 yards and 28 touchdowns, while picking up scholarship offer after offer early in his final offseason as a prep star. 

By the time the 2019 football season kicks off, the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder will be verbally committed to one of the near two dozen programs that have already given him the offer news every high school football player wants to hear.

"I think it's as hectic now as it ever will be but my biggest thing is to just enjoy it," he told SI All-American Friday. "I think this is the position I've wanted to be in if you looked back two, three, four years from now. 

"Any pressure...I just try to maintain and look back because I'm super grateful for all of the opportunities that I'm given and the position I'm in."

 In-state programs USC and UCLA have long been after Moss and he's become quite familiar with each program in terms of visits all while building relationships with each coaching staff.

"USC and UCLA both hold a lot of weight with me," he said. "Being able to give the family the gift of them being able to see me play every weekend is invaluable. Those two schools have made a big impact, especially early on in my recruitment and it's not lost on me at all."

As each program looks to return to the top of the Pac-12, Moss looks at their roster building as one of the most significant distinguishing factors between the rivals.

"In terms of differences, the type of kid they recruit," he said. "I think USC recruits on a national stage and recruits different types of players. I think the UCLA mold is different and they can attract different types of kids, largely due to academic restrictions. But both are super unique in what they offer. Both Coach (Chip) Kelly and Coach (Clay) Helton are great guys. You meet a lot of people throughout the process and they're two of my favorite I've got to know. 

"They both have great things to offer, different things to offer. USC was my childhood team but UCLA has a lot of practical things that they offer, too." 

While UCLA doesn't hold a pledge at any position in the 2021 class, fellow SI All-American Watch List quarterback Jake Garcia is already verbally committed to USC. But Moss says the Trojans' recruitment of him never slowed down. It looks like the program could take a pair of rising-senior passers in looking to rebound from a tough 2020 cycle.  

Despite the familiarity Moss was quick to point out that distance isn't a factor in a final decision and his two most recent offers -- Oregon and Tennessee -- speak to that to a degree.

"I've actually been in contact with both schools a good amount," he said. "(Oregon) Coach (Mario) Cristobal ended up offering me on FaceTime...kind of a cool, personal way to end up getting that. (Tennessee) Coach (Chris) Weinke as well as Coach (Jim) Chaney have been in contact with me a lot over the past week or so. 

"Really building both of those relationships and getting to know those guys."

The next step of the recruiting process for Moss and the rest of the junior class will take place in the month of March. The NCAA recruiting dead period, where prospects are unable to take visits to college campuses, will then be lifted. 

SEC programs could get the quick-triggered righty on campus soon after.

"My 7-on-7 team (Premium Sports L.A.) is traveling to Tampa for Adidas nationals and Tennessee as well so I'm trying to fit in visits around the tournaments," he said. "That would include Tennessee, Auburn and LSU most likely. I don't have anything set for sure."

The defending champions are quite the allure for any prospect but after the offensive output the Tigers showcased during their perfect 2019 season, the chance to play the quarterback position is especially intriguing.  

"LSU is a huge one,' Moss said. "They were one of my earliest offers, which is odd since I haven't been there, but it's definitely a spot I want to see. Just the experience and the way people talk about it as one of the most unique experiences in college football, and also to see what they offer as a program and school. 

"I think the biggest question-mark with LSU oftentimes is their quarterback play. Aside from Joe Burrow...you can't name a generational talent that has come from LSU. Them being able to check that box, especially as a quarterback, is huge in terms of looking at them as a perspective school."

There is no official list of top programs under consideration for the top uncommitted passer in California but it's clear a final decision will stretch beyond the winning school's football program. 

"The biggest thing for me is to sit down with my family and really weigh what's important to me," Moss said. "Which school can put me in the best position to accomplish my goals. I wouldn't say those goals are necessarily centered around football. 

"It's a big thing for me but I think my college decision means much more than that. Whatever institution can set up up for success in my life as well as providing a great college experience is where I'll end up going."  

[Related: Miller Moss one-on-one at the Under Armour All-America Game Camp in Los Angeles]

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