USC Secures Commitment From 2nd Sensational LB in a Week

© Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The USC Trojans took major strides in shoring up their defense of the future by earning commitments from 2 elite linebackers. On July 27, the Trojans secured a commitment from the top-rated LB in the 2026 cycle, Xavier Griffin. And on July 30, USC received a commitment from LB Jadon Perlotte in the 2025 cycle.

Both of the sensational LBs who committed to USC in less than 1 week are from Georgia. Perlotte, who is from Buford, Ga., was originally committed to the Georgia Bulldogs, but the Trojans flipped him.

New USC assistant coaches Eric Henderson and Matt Entz were primarily responsible for Perlotte's recruitment.

Sensational LB Jadon Perlotte

Perlotte is 6-foot-4 and weighs 210 pounds. ESPN rates him as the No. 9 LB prospect in the nation. In the words of 247Sports, Perlotte "[s]hows off a rare combination of size [and] ... athleticism and can line up at about three or four different [positions]."

At the prep level, he has primarily played linebacker and safety. "He has exceptional lateral mobility, can drop and cover and plays with a consistent motor." He adeptly covers wide receivers and is a formidable blitzer. "He's a very twitchy player who reads and reacts quickly, can change direction, get off blocks and is a huge hitter." His talent is such that he is likely to see game action at the Power Four level as a true freshman. 247Sports also notes that Perlotte's game "doesn't have a discernible weakness."

As a high school sophomore, Perlotte received significant playing time on 1 of the top prep teams in Georgia. In 2023, he made 55 tackles, including 8 tackles for loss. He also had 4 quaterback hurries, 2 sacks and 1 interception.

Perlotte is also a track star who shows off his speed in the 100- and 200-meter dashes.

Defensive Focus of USC Trojans

Following two consecutive statistically poor seasons on defense, head coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans have focused heavily on revamping the defense. Not only has Riley brought in an almost entirely new defensive staff, but the Trojans' recruiting efforts this offseason have had a pronounced focus on the defense. The commitment from Perlotte fortifies the USC defense for the future.

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