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USC Football: Trojans Earn Commitment of Elite Defensive Line Prospect

USC recruiting is on an absolute tear as the 2024 recruiting cycle winds down

Bay City (Bay City, TX) defensive lineman Carlon Jones is headed to Southern California. 

Jones' commitment comes on the eve of early signing day on December 20th, and after three other commitments for USC over the past week. The 6’3”, 290-pound Jones elected to attend USC after seriously considering both Ohio State and Alabama. Jones was on campus for his official visit to USC just last week. 

The news broke courtesy of On3's Hayes Fawcett, who detailed why Jones chose the Trojans over the Crimson Tide and the Buckeyes.

"The opportunities available in the city of Los Angeles, such as internships and being able to build my brand and get a great education in business. On the other hand they have a great staff that I believe will be able to get me to where I need to be, which is the NFL. I have a great relationship with coach Nua and Riley and also the new defense coordinator [D’Anton Lynn] feels like family. I’m very versatile so I feel they can use me all over the front."

On3 considers Jones a top-250 recruit nationally, and the 26th-best defensive lineman in the 2024 cycle. His body type and versatility are in line with new defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn's goal of versatility and size along the defensive front. 

Carlon Jones represents the 21st commitment in USC's 2024 cycle. He is the third defensive lineman to commit to USC over the past week or so. Jide Abasirihad flipped his commitment to USC after being committed to Minnesota for months, and Lorenzo Cowan flipped from Kentucky after his official visit to USC this past week.