Five-star QB Matt Corral talks USC pledge, SEC interest
CORONADO, Calif. – Matt Corral has been committed to USC since February 2016 and the five-star quarterback said it has always been a dream of his to play for the Trojans.
But some schools – including two SEC stalwarts – won’t give up.
Georgia continues to heavily pursue the Long Beach (Calif.) Poly standout and it got even more interesting this offseason when Corral, who looked great here at the Steve Clarkson Quarterback Retreat over the weekend, took an unofficial visit to Athens.
“They keep hitting me up and I’m going to keep listening to what they have to say,” Corral said of Georgia and other programs reaching out. “It is shut down but I’m still open ears to whoever wants to tell me whatever they want.”
Georgia offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Jim Chaney has made Corral a top priority – and the five-star likes the message.
It’s not negative. It’s truthful. And it’s resonating with Corral, rated as the second-best pro-style quarterback in the class behind Clemson pledge Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 overall prospect..
“Yeah, I like Georgia,” Corral said. “It’s a cool place and it was a cool overall experience. I’m just learning more about their system and being with Jacob (Eason at the QB Retreat), being with Isaac (Nauta), I’m just open ears to them.
“Chaney is a good guy. He’s not hating on whoever I’m committed to or other colleges. He’s saying what he can do for me for the future. The pro-style offense is better for me in the future.
“Past quarterbacks in the NFL, I think he put in eight quarterbacks in the last however-many years. He named them and there are some pretty big names. SC has put in a lot of quarterbacks so that’s just something to think about.”
Corral’s experience at Georgia’s spring game was impressive – and it could be influential as his recruitment continues.
“What I was surrounded by (stood out),” Corral said. “The atmosphere, the football atmosphere, of the spring game was different. I’ve never experienced that before. It’s Georgia. It’s SEC.”
The five-star quarterback has also been talking extensively with Alabama – mainly assistant coach Tosh Lupoi – and a visit to Tuscaloosa is also possible but no date has been finalized. Florida has been reaching out more recently.
With all that being stated, Corral remains happily committed to USC. He’s been a Trojans' pledge for more than a year and said just because he’s listening to others doesn't mean he’s not happy with his decision.
“It’s always been a dream to be a Trojan,” Corral said. “I have to do what’s best for me. That doesn’t mean I’m de-committing from SC. It just means I’m open ears to other colleges.”
