Nelson Agholor Signs with USC: Will He Play Wide Receiver or Defensive Back?

Nelson Agholor is one of the more uniquely talented athletes to come from the 2012 class. Agholor is from Berkeley Prep School in Tampa, Florida. He is listed at 6’1”, 180 and has room to add a few pounds to his frame.

Agholor has the athleticism and the speed to make an impact immediately at USC as he has proven very effective and dangerous in the return game. USC is under strict limitations to the signing class after the NCAA sanctions that followed the Reggie Bush scandal, so signing misses will not work for the Trojans. They have to sign guys who will make an impact; Agholor will make an impact.

With the talent that Agholor possesses, it has become a bit of a guessing game projecting where his best fit will be at the next level. He has the skills to make plays in the offense as a receiver, but he also plays with the physicality that fits a safety.

USC has a host of playmakers who return at both positions so playing immediately may not be a big promise or concern for Agholor. Agholor is likely to star on special teams no matter what his position group will be.

So what separates the two for Agholor?

As a Receiver

Agholor is the total package when looking for a collegiate-level elite receiver. He has the speed to take the game vertically with the ball skills to track the pass and make the play over and around the defender.

Agholor also has great explosion from his stance, which makes him difficult to jam at the line. He has shown a better than average ability to run routes and is very dangerous in space as well as the perimeter.

Agholor would be a great addition to the USC offense and could make plays on the outside as well as from the slot. If he settles into a receiver role with the Trojans, he would flourish and stands the chance to make an impact immediately.

As a Defender

Agholor has spent the majority of his time on the offensive side of the football, so a transition to defense may take a little more time than on offense. Agholor has elite speed and is an aggressive football player, so a transition to safety may come naturally for him.

His ability to track the football and adjust his body while the football is in the air will help his ability at the safety position. He could turn into a formidable safety for the Trojans in time. With the limitations that they have on scholarships, the Trojans may need an athlete with Agholor’s skill to switch to safety if the team calls for it.

Where Agholor Settles

Agholor is a very strong prospect with skills that could translate on both offense and defense. He is a natural fit offensively and could even help the Trojans in the backfield. Agholor will fill whatever role the coaches ask him to, but offense looks to be his best fit.

Agholor will also fit the special teams role for the Trojans well and could make an impact from day one in the return game.

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