USC recruits weigh in on next coach
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Maybe USC does not need a national search for its next coach.
According to some top commits and other high-level recruits, the Trojans' next coach could already be on the sidelines.
After talking with numerous prospects, it's clear interim coach Clay Helton has a tremendous amount of support.
"I like Clay Helton," said four-star receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe from Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett. "He is a great man first and foremost and he loves his players and his players love him.
"If the staff decides to go in another direction, I would like to have (Houston coach) Tom Herman as head coach because he's an extremely intelligent guy who knows how to get the best out of his players and succeed with the personnel he has."
Four-star safety CJ Pollard said: "I personally like coach Clay Helton. He knows the system, his staff is amazing and they run an NFL-type scheme. He cares about his players and his No. 1 goal is to win."
Helton is not a surprising response. He has been with the program for years, the recruits know him well and he's a seemingly likeable coach. But does Helton have a legitimate chance at the job or will the USC brass conduct a broader, national search?
It seems as of now that it's going in that direction.
If that happens, former USC standout and first-round NFL Draft pick, Chris Claiborne, who coaches at Calabasas, Calif., and runs a popular 7-on-7 team in Southern California, hopes the Trojans hire someone who has coached in the pros.
"I want a coach with NFL experience," Claiborne said. "(John) Harbaugh from Baltimore and Pep Hamilton as the OC. Harbaugh does a great job with the guys in Baltimore. Also, I like the pro-style offense. You go to USC to get a degree and play big-time ball and go to the pros."
USC four-star commit Frank Martin out of Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei and 2017 four-star offensive guard Wyatt Davis from Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco said they're unsure which coach would be the best fit for the Trojans.
They just both hope offensive line coach Bob Connelly is kept on the new staff. That is important to each of their recruitments.
"Heck yeah," Martin said when asked if he hopes Connelly stays.
Commits Trevon Sidney and Liam Jimmons said they both hope Helton is retained. At the least, four-star Michael Pittman said he would like Helton and receivers coach Tee Martin to stay.
Another top 2017 recruit, four-star receiver Terrell Bynum, said he wants Helton to get the job and it's probably unneccesary to look any further.
"No need to make a change," Bynum said.
Other major 2017 prospects, some of whom are among the best players in the state, did not have a specific name for USC's next coach but had some general thoughts on what they're looking for next.
"I'd like a coach that's a good recruiter, has a good background at the college or NFL level and a coach that knows how to communicate with his players," class of 2017 four-star CB Jaylon Redd said.
Said 2017 four-star TE Colby Parkinson: "There are so many good candidates out there. I would like to see someone who is able to revitalize the program, bring the swagger back to USC that it's had in the past."
For Los Angeles Augustus Hawkins coach Malik James, who has a bevy of outstanding recruits on his team including 2017 four-stars Joseph Lewis and Greg Johnson and 2018 stud receiver Jalen Hall, he's hoping USC can bring back the glory days.
And that means reaching into the NFL for one specific name.
"I would like to see Helton remain on the staff but I would really love to see Pete (Carroll) back," James said.
"He brought that program back and I lived through it. The energy up there was crazy at that time. Also, I think that the Pete Carroll and Tee Martin combo wouldn't be fair."
Hey, it's Los Angeles. One can dream.
