Rasheem Green to USC: Trojans Land 5-Star DT Prospect
Rasheem Green is staying close to home. Green, a 5-star defensive tackle out of Junipero Serra High School, committed to play at USC on national signing day, culminating a hotly contested recruiting battle.
ESPN.com's Jeremy Crabtree passed along Green's decision via Twitter:
The mammoth defensive tackle chose the Trojans over Oregon and Miami. He is listed as the 23rd-best player in the country by 247Sports' composite rankings. The recruiting service also ranks him as the fifth-best defensive tackle and sixth-best player in the state of California.
Bleacher Report College Football Analysts Michael Felder, Adam Kramer and Barrett Sallee broke down which top recruits can instantly help their program win a national title, with Green being discussed near the end of the following video:
While Green rarely made much of an outward commitment during his recruiting process, USC seemingly had control throughout. The 247Sports crystal ball said Green was a virtual lock to land with the Trojans in early July. With USC gathering national momentum since the hiring of Steve Sarkisian and the proximity keeping him close to his family, the fit was natural.
"USC is recruiting me the hardest right now," Green told Justin Hopkins of 247Sports in March. "I talk to coach (Chris) Wilson all of the time."
Green is coming off a senior campaign in which he built on an already impressive resume. He made 46 total tackles (21 for loss) and 14 sacks, flashing a versatility that should serve him well at the next level. Head coach Steve Sarkisian is going to have to make a decision whether to develop Green at defensive tackle as a 1-technique or shift him outside, where his power-size combination would make him formidable in a 3-4 set.
Green mostly relied on his size and strength advantage in high school. He was able to push smaller or less talented offensive linemen around with ease—something that won't be so easy in the Pac-12. At a Nike football training camp last March, Green made national waves with his domination of 4-star offensive lineman Tevita Halalilo.
Refinement and development of some consistent, reliable moves off the ball will be key to Green's development. That, of course, is typical of players his age. It's rare to find a prospect who already has a series of moves off the ball, similar to overpowering centers in basketball. When you're that big, you only need to start developing those traits once you're surrounded by others the same size.
Given Green's strong work ethic and fast-rising trajectory, he seems like a good bet. His toughness and willingness to battle on the line of scrimmage is the type of infectious energy that every defensive line needs to succeed.
Green could get an opportunity to do so early in his career. The Trojans have room on their defensive line rotation for him to at least get a long look as a freshman, though Green will probably be limited in capacity. His versatility and willingness to shift between roles make him an ideal rotational player as well.
More than anything, though, Green's long-term development is key. Players this highly touted and recruited enter school with NFL-level aspirations. It will be up to the coaching staff and his own work ethic to see whether he'll get there.
For now, USC will just bask in its latest recruiting coup.
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