Three-star inside linebacker Jeremiah Ieremia shined at a couple showcases this summer, including the All Poly Camp in his home state of Utah where he was named the most valuable player at his position. The list of spectators there was lengthy and featured USC head coach Steve Sarkisian, among other prominent names.

On Tuesday, Ieremia reciprocated the interest by unofficially visiting USC. And though he was set to return to Hurricane (Utah) without a scholarship offer from the Trojans, he described the trip as productive.

"I had a great conversation with coach Sark," Ieremia said. "I loved the campus, facilities and coaching staff. I loved it here.

"Coach Sark told me that they still want to recruit me, get to know me and build that relationship before any offer is made. I feel confident."

The 6-foot, 230-pound prospect was accompanied to Los Angeles by his family, which he said loved the campus tour as well. He was on the sideline for the Trojans' evening practice, flanked by USC linebacker commit Cameron Smith and top 2016 target Darrian Franklin, and had a chance to talk more with position coach Peter Sirmon.

"He's a great guy and coach," Ieremia said. "He's a coach I would love to play for. I learned a lot from him.

"Cam wasn't really recruiting me. He was just basically saying, 'Why not choose USC?' There's so much to offer here and so many opportunities."

Before the visit was over, Ieremia also made sure to check in with some of USC's freshmen, namely John "JuJu" Smith, Damien Mama and Viane Talamaivao -- all of whom share Polynesian heritage.

"We actually got together after practice, goofed around and talked a bit," Ieremia said. "Juju, Viane and Mama are great dudes."

Blair Angulo covers the West region and USC for Rivals. Click here to follow him on Twitter.

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