USC lands another 2014 standout
Casey Tucker took an unofficial visit to USC this past week, loved everything he saw more than he even expected, got offered and the Trojans moved to No. 1 on his list.
Days later, the 2014 offensive tackle from Chandler (Ariz.) Hamilton had no more thinking to do and committed to USC on Wednesday morning.
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"I have a lot of good things to say about USC and that's why I committed so early," Tucker said. "It was a no-brainer. I wanted to take that opportunity. The academics, school part fell right into place. The business and accounting programs are top-notch and the business program has a great reputation.
"Everything about the coaches was awesome. It was a good fit for me because they know how to teach. They all had great character outside of football as well. They were good guys and I'll learn a lot from them."
USC added to its top-rated 2013 class as well on Wednesday when four-star safety Max Redfield from Mission Viejo, Calif., committed to the Trojans and the 2014 group has started with some heavy hitters as well.
Tucker joins fellow linemen Jordan Poland from La Jolla (Calif.) La Jolla Country Day and Lakewood, Calif., recruit Toa Lobendahn as the three prospects who have already committed to USC in the 2014 class. Both of those recruits made their pledges in June.
Tucker, who looked good at the recent Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge in Atlanta, said he found everything he wanted at USC, even more than he expected before his visit, and his decision was really not too difficult.
The Chandler Hamilton standout, who will have a good chance of being the top-rated player in Arizona's 2014 class next recruiting cycle, also had early offers from Arizona State, Boise State, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon State and Washington.
After meeting with coach Lane Kiffin, offensive line coach James Cregg and others and then touring the campus, Tucker came back from his USC visit with the mindset that the Trojans were going to be tough to beat.
"The program is great, the administration is great and the alumni have great connections if football doesn't work out," Tucker said. "The fans are great, too. It's always great to have awesome fans like that. Everything seemed to be exactly what I was looking for."