USC football is 'picking up steam' with 2 top recruiting targets on defense

The Trojans are reportedly gaining momentum in the recruitments of linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and safety Peyton Woodyard.

USC football hosted two of its top 2024 recruiting targets for official visits on June 9. Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and safety Peyton Woodyard, both of St. John Bosco High School (Calif.), were the only two official visitors that weekend, which allowed them spend a ton of time with the the Trojans staff. 

Viliamu-Asa has a top three of USC, Ohio State and Notre Dame. Woodyard is committed to the University of Georgia. 

But USC fans should remain hopeful. 

In the weeks following their LA visits, the Trojans are reportedly gaining momentum in their recruitments, according to 247Sports.com's Steve Wiltfong.

"I think USC is picking up steam with Top247 linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and long-time Georgia commit Peyton Woodyard," he wrote earlier this week. 

Viliamu-Asa is the No. 109 ranked player nationally in the 247Sports.com composite. He's the No. 8 rated linebacker. Woodyard is the No. 69 player nationally and the No. 4 ranked safety. 

Viliamu-Asa will visit Ohio State this weekend and Woodyard will take an OV to Alabama. 

Here's 247Sports.com's scouting report on Viliamu-Asa:

One of the most versatile linebackers in the country. He's an inside 'backer but a rare every down player who can move around and play multiple spots in a defense. He can stuff the run, blitz off the edge and is very smooth in coverage for a 6-3, 230 pound athlete. He was the state’s top prospect as a freshman but tore his ACL in the final game of the season and missed his entire sophomore year. He’s a huge hitter and has a game built for pads but we saw him during 7v7 play lock up receivers and tight ends in coverage. He’s a smart kid as well, very instinctive and plays with a non-stop motor. He’s a tough kid and has a nice edge in his game.

Here's 247Sports.com's scouting report on Woodyard:

Natural safety who does everything well. Plays in a defense where he's asked to cover and play run support and does both very well. Shows good range and covers a lot of ground on the back end. He's a plus athlete who runs well and makes plays sideline to sideline. He's a solid tackler and will fly off the hash in run support and does a nice job wrapping up and rarely misses in a one on one situation. Natural leader and well respected by his peers. Tremendous off the field work ethic and a future captain at the next level. Also plays baseball but will focus on football in college.