Vaughns comfortable with USC
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USC assistant coach Tee Martin has been on a hot streak as of late, bagging verbal commitments from receivers De'Quan Hampton, Desean Holmes and Tristan Payton in a matter of six weeks.
Martin and the Trojans also hosted Rivals100 wide receiver Tyler Vaughns, the No. 11-rated prospect at his position in the 2016 class, at the start of fall camp, and it's safe to assume they hold a considerable lead in his recruitment.
"I'm at a good level with them," Vaughns said. "I love that school because it feels like home when I'm there. The coaches and players, they always make sure I'm happy and make sure everything is going well -- even off the field with my academics. The players welcome me in even though I'm not there yet."
The 6-foot-2, 160-pound Vaughns spoke to Martin and head coach Steve Sarkisian at practice, and said he keeps in constant contact with the program's director of player personnel Scott Thompson. He has also developed friendships with Chris Hawkins and Kevon Seymour.
"My relationships there are building up well," he said. "Any time I go there, I watch meetings and see how things work. I want to make sure it's something I'm used to and the coaches want to make sure their guys know what to expect when they come in."
Despite the close connection, Vaughns said the coaches have not pressed for an early commitment. Even without the pressure, the La Puente (Calif.) Bishop Amat standout admitted it's been difficult not to make an emotional decision.
"It's been kind of hard because I want to commit," Vaughns said, "but, at the same time, I want to wait it out and see other schools. They aren't pushing me to commit and haven't really talked about my recruitment. They have talked about where I would fit in."
Vaughns, however, does have a decision date in mind.
"Hopefully by the end of my junior year heading into next summer," he said.
USC's offense, particularly how the receivers are used under Sarkisian, is an appealing factor. The Trojans have also offered his high school teammate, 2016 athlete Trevon Sidney, as well as club teammates 2016 receiver Dylan Crawford and 2016 quarterback K.J. Costello.
"I like being aggressive as a receiver and most of them there are," Vaughns said. "Nelson Agholor and No. 1 (Darreus Rogers), they attack their routes. That's something I like to do, too."
Vaughns added that he intends to be a frequent visitor at the Coliseum this fall and might also make some out-of-town trips. He also holds offers from Colorado State, UCLA and Washington State.
"The vibe among recruits is great right now," Vaughns said. "I know I'm hoping USC gets to the playoff. I'm hoping they have a good season this year. I've been asking other athletes and they're hopeful USC gets far."
Blair Angulo covers the West region and USC for Rivals. Click here to follow him on Twitter.
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