McNamara impressed by USC
So many programs are recruiting Taylor McNamara that face-to-face time with college coaches is important and that was one of the many benefits of having the San Diego (Calif.) Westview tight end at USC's junior day on Saturday.
McNamara, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound tight end with more than a dozen offers, met with coach Lane Kiffin, linebackers coach Joe Barry and others during the trip.
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He said the Trojans' staff wasn't pushy about a commitment and he liked that since he's not ready to finalize anything yet.
"There were a lot of people there and it was fun," McNamara said. "I got to talk to the tight ends coach (Justin Mesa) one-on-one and coach Barry who recruits my area and coach Kiffin so I definitely got my fair share. It was good to meet the coaches face-to-face.
"They definitely weren't pushing for a commitment. They want to really build a relationship. They weren't pushing for anything which is good. They want to get to know you better and then hope you commit after they get to know you."
During the day trip, McNamara said the prospects got a campus tour, got to see the renovations on the John McKay Center and had the opportunity to get a better feel for USC football. The Trojans will definitely stay under consideration while many other teams make a push as well.
"I like it a lot," McNamara said. "It's a really nice school and I'm definitely going to consider it. It's a good opportunity."
Arizona, Cal, Cincinnati, Colorado, Florida State, Kentucky, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Stanford, UCLA and Washington have also offered McNamara, who's included in the Rivals 250 to watch list.
The San Diego standout is still talking to Oregon and waiting for an offer. He has a solid relationship with Ducks' assistant coach John Neal and hopes Oregon gets involved next in his recruitment.
"Me and coach Neal have developed a really good relationship but they haven't offered yet," McNamara said.
"I'm going to send them a workout film so we'll see how it goes after that. Part of me thinks coach (Chip) Kelly hasn't seen the film yet because coach Neal said they're still waiting for coach Kelly to watch it and then things will get sped up. I'm hoping they come in late."
McNamara has two visits coming up. He'll visit Cal on April 1 and then is expected to head to Arizona the following week.