Over the weekend, the University of Southern California (USC) welcomed a rising star in the world of high school football, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng. Ranked as the number one high school outside linebacker, his visit stirred excitement and anticipation across campus and the Trojan community. He has quickly become the most prized recruit in all of college football. Chill Sports spoke with the young superstar about his trip to Los Angeles.
Follow Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng on his recruiting journey
Unveiling a Future Phenom:
Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng's visit wasn't just another routine campus tour. It was an event that showcased the potential arrival of a game-changing athlete who could leave a lasting impact on USC's football program. As the top-ranked outside linebacker, his presence on campus signaled the Trojans' commitment to securing top talent and maintaining their tradition of excellence. We asked the Virginia born east coast product, who currently attends the prestigious IMG Academy in Tampa, FL, if he could see himself fitting into the Los Angeles environment and he had this to say. "I do think I can fit in that environment. I know myself, and I know how focused I am. Knowing they have the number one business school is really important to me, and the weather's great too!"Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
The Trojan Experience:
During his visit, Owusu-Boateng got a taste of what it means to be a part of the USC family. From meeting with coaches and current players to exploring the campus facilities, every moment was an opportunity for him to envision himself wearing the cardinal and gold. He's got all the tools to be the next big superstar in a long line of Trojan greats and the pedigree and support group to do it. His older brother, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, won the Butkus Award for the nation's best linebacker in 2020 while at Notre Dame, currently plays for the Cleveland Browns and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2023. Â Â Â
The Impact Beyond the Field:
The thing that stood out the most to Nathaniel was the coaching staff. The first name he mentioned to us was Lincoln Riley. You could hear it in his voice during the interview that Riley made a big impression on him. "He's real. He's a laid back coach that really cares about his players and wants to see them succeed."Â
There are many new faces coaching on the defensive side of the ball this upcoming season for the Trojans. The nation's prized recruit met with the new defensive staff and got a chance to talk a little X's and O's. "They see me playing the Will position. It's a versatile position. You kind of have to be like a defensive quarterback. I get to rush the quarterback, play in space, and in the box."Â It appears Owusu-Boateng had a sincere good first impression of the staff as well. "They're genuine. They build relationships and they really want to see you develop."
A Bright Future Ahead:
As Owusu-Boateng concludes his visit and weighs his options, one thing is certain: his decision will shape not only his own future but will have an impactful domino effect in this year's recruiting class. Nathaniel excels in the classroom at IMG where he maintains a 3.9 GPA.
His discipline and study habits have translated onto the field where he is instinctual and a quick thinker.
Owusu-Boateng obviously has all the physical tools you could dream of, but he's a rare cerebral linebacker with an extremely high football IQ, impressing the staff at USC with his knowledge of the game. "Knowing what your opponent is going to do. As a student of the game, that's something I really take advantage of."
The Official Decision:
Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng's visit to USC this past weekend was more than just a recruiting trip—it was a glimpse into the future of Trojan football. As fans eagerly await his decision, one thing is for sure: his impact, both on and off the field, has the potential to be nothing short of legendary.
He went into this past weekend with a final list of 13 schools. USC was on the shortened list, but was believed to be on the outside looking in for his eventual commitment. We asked the nation's best outside linebacker if USC had done enough for him to return to Los Angeles again, and this time for an official visit. He quickly stated, "I would say most definitely."
It appears the Trojans have significantly moved up on his list and earned a return visit after this weekend. We feel pretty safe to say that USC is now a serious contender for this elite linebacker.
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