Football | December 20, 2023
LOS ANGELES—Nineteen high school football players have signed with USC so far during the December early signing period, Trojan head coach Lincoln Riley announced.
The 2024 signees are, alphabetically: DL Jide Abasiri, S Jarvis Boatwright Jr., CB Braylon Conley, DE Lorenzo Cowan, DE Kameryn Fountain, S Marquis Gallegos, RB Bryan Jackson, DL Carlon Jones, WR Xavier Jordan, TE Walter Matthews, LB Elijah Newby, TE Joey Olsen, OL Makai Saina, LB Desman Stephens II, OL Kalolo Ta’aga, OL Justin Tauanuu, OL Hayden Treter, CB Marcelles Williams and OL Jason Zandamela. Additionally, TE Walker Lyons, who signed last winter and is currently serving his Mormon mission in Norway, will join this recruiting class.
Abasiri, Boatwright Jr., Cowan, Fountain, Gallegos, Jackson, Jordan, Newby, Olsen, Stephens II, Ta’aga, Tauanuu, Williams and Zandamela will enroll at USC in January and participate in 2024 spring practice. The other five signees in addition to Lyons will join the Trojan program in the fall.
Among the 19 players added during the early signing period are:
- Sixteen signees are four-star athletes by at least one of the following: 247Sports, 247Composite, On3, On3 Consensus, Rivals.com and/or ESPN.com
- Seven newcomers that were ranked in the ESPN300: Kameryn Fountain, Xavier Jordan, Walter Matthews, Elijah Newby, Joey Olsen, Marcelles Williams and Jason Zandamela
- Seven players in the Top247: Kameryn Fountain, Carlon Jones, Xavier Jordan, Walter Matthews, Elijah Newby, Marcelles Williams and Jason Zandamela
- Three players who were listed in the Rivals250: Xavier Jordan, Marcelles Williams and Jason Zandamela
- Four Under Armour All-Americans: Kameryn Fountain, Xavier Jordan, Makai Saina and Jason Zandamela
- Four Polynesian Bowl All-Stars: Xavier Jordan, Makai Saina, Justin Tauanuu and Marcelles Williams
- Three All-American Bowl invitees: Kameryn Fountain, Xavier Jordan and Marcelles Williams
- One U.S. Army All-American Bowl invitee: Desman Stephens II
Additional players could join USC between now and the next signing day in February.
Biographies of USC’s signees are below.
DL Jide Abasiri – Prior Lake HS (Minn.)
Abasiri is one of the top prospects in the state of Minnesota. He is rated as the No. 3 player in the state of Minnesota by On3, No. 4 by Rivals, No. 5 by 247 Sports and No. 10 by ESPN. He is touted as the No. 29 defensive lineman in the country by On3, No. 49 by Rivals, No. 58 by 247Sports and No. 75 by ESPN. After his senior year at Prior Lake (Minn.) HS, the four-star recruit was named the team’s Defensive Lineman of the Year, as well as being selected to the 2023 All-District First Team, the 2023 AP Minnesota All-State First Team, the 2023 Star Tribune All-Metro First Team and Randy Shaver’s 2023 KARE 11 All-Metro Football Team. He also competed in the 2023 Minnesota All-Star game. Abasiri, a team captain, also earned placement on the 2023 KARE 11 Preseason All-Metro team, the 2023 Preseason All-State team, was a 2023 Vikings Gatorade Elite Camp prospect and a 2023 PRZ Preseason 6A Player of the Year nominee. He was invited to the 2023 ESPN Elite Underclassman All-American Camp. Abasiri is a three-sport athlete, also competes in wrestling and track and field.
S Jarvis Boatwright Jr. – Clearwater HS (Fla.)
Boatwright is touted as the No. 20 safety in the country by Rivals, No. 54 by ESPN, No. 56 by 247Sports and No. 78 by On3. He is rated as the No. 41 player in the state of Florida by Rivals, No. 81 by 247Sports, No. 83 by ESPN and No. 131 by On3. The four-star recruit was a four-year member of the Clearwater (Fla.) HS varsity football team playing in all three phases of the game. As a senior, he collected 102 tackles, including 3 for loss, 1 INT, 6 PBUs and 1 fumble recovery. He also had 1 punt return for 5 yards (5.0 avg.). He was named to the 2023 FACA All-District First Team and was a 2023 FACA All-Star selection. He tallied 25 tackles, including 1 for loss, and collected 1 INT as a junior in 2022. He also rushed for 187 yards on 10 carries (18.7 avg.) with 3 TDs and had 1 kickoff return for 50 yards (50.0 avg.). He was selected to the 2022 Pinellas High School Media Group Honorable Mention Class 5A. As a sophomore in 2021, he notched 67 tackles, including 2 for loss and 4 PBUs. On offense, rushed for 217 yards on 19 carries (11.4 avg.) with 3 TDs. As a 2020 freshman, rushed for 80 yards on 19 carries (4.2 avg.) with 1 TD. Academically, he was named a Pinellas County Scholar-Athlete.
CB Braylon Conley – Atascocita HS (Texas)
Conley, a four-star recruit, was a three-year player on varsity at Atascocita (Texas) HS. He is touted as the No. 36 safety in the country by Rivals, No. 47 by ESPN, No. 53 by 247Sports and No. 86 by On3. He is rated as the No. 53 player in the state of Texas by Rivals, No. 74 by ESPN, No. 108 by 247Sports and No. 169 by On3. As a senior, he was named to the 2023 All-VYPE Houston First Team and was ranked No. 13 on the 2023 VYPE Houston Top 100 players list. He also earned placement on the 2023 Touchdown Club of Houston Preseason Team. As a junior in 2022, Conley was invited to compete at the 2022 Next Level Athlete Texas Top 100 Showcase and was selected to the 2022 All-District 21-6A First Team. As a sophomore, he was named to the 2021 All-District 21-6A First Team. Conley also competes in track and field.
DE Lorenzo Cowan – Jenkins HS (Ga.)
Cowan, a three-star recruit, is touted as the No. 57 edge in the country by On3, No. 76 by ESPN and No. 79 by 247Sports. He is rated as the No. 64 player in the state of Georgia by On3, No. 92 by ESPN and No. 125 by 247Sports. As a senior at Jenkins (Ga.) HS in 2023, he tallied 76 tackles, including 11 for loss (with 8 sacks), 8 PBUs, 3 blocked field goals and 1 forced fumble. He was named the 2023 5A Region 1 Defensive Player of the Year and was invited to the 2023 Under Armour Next Camp Series. As a junior, he was selected to the 2022 All-5A Region 1 First Team and the 2022 Big 22 ABC WJCL Team after he collected 31 tackles, including 6 for loss (with 8 sacks), 2 PBUs and 1 blocked field goal. During his sophomore season in 2021, he had 13 tackles, including 1 for loss, 3 PBUs and 1 forced fumble.
DE Kameryn Fountain – Booker T. Washington HS (Ga.)
Fountain, a four-star recruit, is touted as the No.7 edge in the country by 247Sports, No. 13 by ESPN, No. 17 by On3 and No. 26 by Rivals. He is rated as the No. 13 player in the state of Georgia by ESPN, No. 16 by 247Sports, No. 23 by On3 and No. 42 by Rivals. He is ranked the No. 78 recruit in the nation by ESPN and No. 85 by 247Sports. He ranked 79th nationally on the ESPN 300 List and 86th on the Top247 List. He was named a 2024 Under Armour All-American and was invited to compete in the 2024 NBC All-American Bowl. As a senior at Booker T. Washington (Ga.) HS, he was named the 2023 Region 6-AA Co-Defensive Player of the Year and earned placement on the 2023 Touchdown Club of Atlanta Preseason All-Star Team. As a 2022 junior, he totaled 56 tackles, including 7 sacks, 8 QBHs, 3 fumble recoveries and a PBU. He was selected to the 2022 GACA Coaches All-State Team, the 2022 All-Region 6-AA First Team and was a 2022 Georgia High School Football Daily All-State Honorable Mention. In his first year of football as a sophomore in 2021, he was named to the 2021 All-Region First Team. Fountain also plays basketball.
S Marquis Gallegos – Sierra Canyon HS (Calif.)
Gallegos, a four-star recruit, is rated as the No. 20 player in the state of California by ESPN, No. 23 by On3, No. 27 by 247Sports and No. 41 by Rivals. He is touted as the No. 20 safety in the nation by ESPN, No. 23 by On3, No. 26 by 247Sports and No. 41 by Rivals. Gallegos played for Chaminade (Calif.) HS for his first three years before transferring to Sierra Canyon (Calif.) HS for his senior year in 2023. He had an impressive junior year for Chaminade and was named to the 2022 CalHi Sports All-State First Team, the 2022 MaxPreps California All-State, the 2022 Prep RedZone All-Southern California Jr. Team, the 2022 SB Live All-California Team, the 2022 LA Times All-Star Team and the 2022 LA Daily News All-Area First Team. Additionally, he was selected as the 2022 CIF-SS Division II Defensive MVP, the 2022 Mission League Defensive MVP and the 2022 Team MVP.
RB Bryan Jackson – McKinney HS (Texas)
Jackson, a four-star recruit, is touted as the No. 27 running back in the nation by Rivals, No. 44 by ESPN, No. 49 by On3 and No. 107 by 247Sports. He is rated as the No. 64 player in the state of Texas by Rivals, No. 82 by ESPN, No. 110 by On3 and No. 161 by 247 Sports. As a senior at McKinney (Texas) HS, he rushed for 681 yards on 129 carries (5.3 avg.) for 8 TDs. He also collected 2 receptions for 8 yards (4.0 avg.). Additionally, he had 1 passing attempt for 42 yards which resulted in a TD. He was named the 2023 District 5-6A Offensive MVP. He also competed at the 2023 Elite 11 finals. As a junior, he rushed for 1,647 yards on 265 carries (6.2 avg.) for 23 TDs. He also tallied 4 receptions for 26 yards (6.5 avg.) He was selected to the 2022 All-District 5-6A First Team, the 2022 Dallas Morning News All-Area Second Team and the 2022 Star Local Media All-Area Second Team. He was also invited to the 2022 Under Amour Next Camp Series. As a sophomore, he rushed for 973 yards on 203 attempts (4.8 avg.) with 13 TDs and earned placement on the All-District 5-6A First Team. He was invited to the 2021 Under Armour Elite Underclassmen Camp.
DL Carlon Jones – Bay City HS (Texas)
Jones, a four-star recruit, is rated as the No. 17 defensive lineman in the country by 247Sports, No. 31 by 247Sports, No. 33 by Rivals and No. 49 by ESPN. He is touted as the No. 36 player in the state of Texas by On3, No. 38 by 247Sports and No. 64 by Rivals. He is 237th on the Top 247 List. As a senior at Bay City (Texas) HS, he recorded 95 tackles, including 30 TFLs (with 17.5 sacks) and 23 QBHs. He tied for third in the state in sacks. He was named Texas District 12-4 Division I MVP. Additionally, he was named the Preseason 4A Defensive Player of the Year and selected to the Preseason 4A All-State First Team. He was also invited to compete in the 2023 Under Armour Next Camp Series. As a junior in 2022, he tallied 102 tackles, including 29 for loss (with 13 sacks), 4 QBHs and 1 PBU. He was named the 2022 Texas District 12-4A Division I Co-Defensive MVP and the 2022 Victoria Advocate All-Area Defensive Lineman of the Year. He also earned placement on the Texas Sports Writers Association 4A All-State First Team and the 2022 Padilla Poll All-State Second Team. During his sophomore season, he notched 63 tackles, including 11 for loss (with 2 sacks) and 3 forced fumbles. Offensively, he had 5 receptions for 54 yards (10.8 avg.) and 1 TD. He was named Team Defensive MVP and selected to the 2021 District 12-4A First Team. A three-sport athlete, Jones also plays basketball and competes in track and field as shot putter. In basketball, he earned 2022-23 4A Region IV District 26 Defensive MVP, 2020-21 District 12-4A First Team honors, 2021-22 Academic All-District 25-4A honors and was named Team MVP.
WR Xavier Jordan – Sierra Canyon HS (Calif.)
Jordan, a four-star recruit, is one of the nation’s top prospects. He is rated as the No. 4 player in the state of California by On3, No. 7 by 247 Sports, No. 9 by ESPN and No. 12 by Rivals. He is touted as the No. 13 wide receiver in the country by On3, No. 15 by ESPN, No.16 by 247Sports and No. 20 by Rivals. He is ranked the No. 68 recruit in the nation by On3, No. 86 by 247Sports, No. 87 by ESPN and No. 95 by Rivals. He ranked 87th nationally on the Top247 List, 88th on the ESPN 300 List and 96th on the Rivals 250 List. He was named a 2024 Under Armour All-American, a 2024 Polynesian Bowl All-Star and was invited to compete in the 2024 NBC All-American Bowl. In his senior season at Sierra Canyon (Calif.) HS in 2023, Jordan caught just 30 passes but turned it into 600 receiving yards (20.0 avg.) and 8 TDs. He was the Wide Receiver MVP at Under Armour Next Camp in 2023. As a junior in 2022, he collected 83 receptions for 1,626 yards (19.6 avg.) and 20 TDs. He scored in 11 of 13 games and had multiple touchdowns in 6 of them with a rate of 1 TD per 3.5 catches. He also recorded 3 tackles and 1 kickoff return for 24 yards (24.0 avg.). He was named to the 2022 MaxPreps California All-State First Team and the 2022 All-CIF Southern Section Division IV Team. As a sophomore in 2021, he had 19 receptions for 324 yards (17.1 avg.) and 1 TD. He also recorded 1 passing attempt and 6 tackles.
TE Walter Matthews – Hiram HS (Ga.)
Matthews, a four-star recruit, is touted as the No. 2 tight end in the country by ESPN, No. 11 by On3, No. 13 by 247Sports and No. 14 by Rivals. He is rated as the No. 16 player in the state of Georgia by ESPN and On3, No. 22 by 247Sports and No. 38 by Rivals. He is ranked the No. 105 recruit in the nation by ESPN, No. 132 on On3 and No. 170 by 247Sports. He ranked 106th nationally on the ESPN 300 List and 171st on the Top247 List. During his senior season at Hiram (Ga.) HS in 2023, he recorded 25 receptions for 341 yards (13.6 avg.) and 1 TD. He was named to the 2023 All-Region 7-5A First Team. Matthews participated at the 2023 Nike Elite 11 and The Opening. He also was named to the 2023 Preseason All-State Team. As a junior in 2022, he collected 20 receptions for 425 yards (21.3) and 8 TDs and was selected to the 2022 All-Region 7-5A First Team. After recording 12 receptions for 235 yards (19.6 avg.) and 2 TDs as a sophomore, he earned placement on the 2021 All-Region 7-5A First Team. Matthews also competes in basketball.
LB Elijah Newby – Cheshire Academy (Conn.)
Newby, a four-star recruit, is rated as the No. 3 player in the state of Connecticut by 247 Sports, No. 4 by On3 and ESPN and No. 5 by Rivals. He is touted as the No. 14 linebacker in the country by On3, No. 16 by ESPN, No. 18 by Rivals and No. 20 by 247Sports. He ranked 246th nationally on the Top247 List and 253rd on the ESPN 300. Newby competed for Cheshire Academy (Conn.), which MaxPreps named the top high school football team in Connecticut. Cheshire Academy won the 2023 New England Bowl Championships. As a senior, he was named to the 2023 Northeast Prep Football Conference All-League First Team and the 2023 All-New England Prep School Athletic Council First Team. As a junior, Newby earned placement on the 2022 Northeast Prep Football Conference All-League First Team. He also competes in track and field and was selected to the All-New England Prep School Athletic Council in the high jump.
TE Joey Olsen – Lakeridge HS (Ore.)
Olsen, a four-star recruit, is rated as the No. 1 player in the state of Oregon by On3 and ESPN, No. 2 by Rivals and No. 3 by 247Sports. He is touted as the No. 13 tight end in the country by ESPN, No. 15 On3, No. 23 by Rivals and No. 33 by ESPN. He is ranked 200th on the ESPN 300 list. Olsen is the statistical leader in two Lakeridge (Ore.) HS football records: career receptions (119) and career yards (2,303). As a senior, he tallied 36 receptions for 650 yards (18.1 avg.) with 11 TDs helping Lakeridge finish 5th in the state, the team’s best finish in a decade. He earned 2023 Oregon All-State 6A First Team and 2023 All-Three Rivers League First Team honors. He was also selected to the 2023 Preseason All-State Team. As a junior in 2022, he recorded 32 receptions for 578 yards (18.1 avg.) with 9 TDs. He was named to the 2022 Oregon All-State 6A Second Team and 2022 All-Three Rivers League First Team. Additionally, he was invited to compete at the 2022 National Combine at the All-American Bowl. As a sophomore in 2021, he collected 28 receptions for 727 yards (26.0 avg.) and 7 TDs. Additionally, he rushed for 3 yards on 2 carries (1.5 avg.). He was named an Oregon All-State Honorable Mention and to the 2021 All-Three Rivers League First Team. As a freshman, he collected 22 receptions for 347 yards (15.8 avg.) and 4 TDs and earned placement on the 2020-21 All-Three Rivers League First Team. A multisport-athlete, Olsen also competes in baseball, basketball and track and field.
OL Makai Saina – Martin HS (Texas)
Saina, the four-star recruit, is touted as the No. 20 interior offensive lineman in the nation by ESPN, No. 25 by 247Sports, No. 38 by On3 and No. 50 by Rivals. He is rated as the No. 49 player in the state of Texas by Rivals, No. 62 by ESPN, No. 67 by 247Sports and No. 82 by On3. He has been named a 2024 Under Armour All-American and a 2024 Polynesian Bowl All-Star. After his senior year at Martin (Texas) HS, he was selected to the 2023 All-District 8-6A First Team and was invited to compete at the 2023 Under Armour Next Camp Series. He also earned recognition on the 2023 Dallas News Preseason All-Area Team. During his junior season in 2022, he helped pave the way for the area’s fifth-best rushing offense in Class 6A, as Martin averaged 254.3 yards per game on the ground. It was also the area’s fourth-best scoring offense, averaging 45.4 points per game. He was an All-District 8-6A First Team selection. Additionally, he attended the 2022 Under Armour Power Academy Camp. A dual-sport athlete, he is a shot putter on Martin’s track and field team.
LB Desman Stephens II – Clarkston HS (Mich.)
Stephens II, a four-star recruit, is rated as the No. 6 player in the state of Michigan by On3, No. 9 by ESPN and 247Sports and No. 11 by Rivals. He is touted as the No. 14 linebacker in the nation by Rivals, No. 24 by On3, No. 32 by 247Sports and No. 43 by ESPN. He has been invited to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. During his senior year at Clarkston (Mich.) HS as a three-way player, he collected 88 tackles, 3 INTs, 6 PBUs 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. On offense, he tallied 614 rushing yards on 64 carries (9.6 avg.) with 9 TDs and had 26 receptions for 415 yards (16.0 avg.) with 4 TDs. On special teams, he recorded 5 punt returns for 124 yards (24.8 avg.) and 1 TD and 11 kick returns for 268 yards (24.4 avg.). He earned placement on the 2023 Free Press All–North First Team, the 2023 Michigan Associated Press Division 1-2 All-State First Team, the SB Michigan All-State First Team, the 2023 AP Michigan All-State First Team and the 2023 Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-State First Team. He also was named to the 2023 Prep RedZone Michigan Division I Preseason All-State Defense. As a junior in 2022, he recorded 98 tackles, including 11 TFLs (with 2 sacks), 4 INTs (1 returned for a TD), 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. Offensively, he tallied 17 receptions for 325 yards (19.1 avg.) and 6 TDs and 100 rushing yards on 18 carries (5.6 avg.) with 1 TD. He was named to the 2022 Oakland Activities Association Red All-League First Team, the 2022 Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Region First Team, the 2022 Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-State First Team, the 2022 Prep RedZone Division 1 All-State Team, the 2022 Prep RedZone Defense Dream Team, the 2022 Oakland AP Division I Second Team, the 2022 Detroit All-North Football Team and was selected as the MLive Metro Detroit Dream Team All-Purpose Player. Stephens was invited to the 2022 Under Armour Next Camp Series and was named to the 2022 PrepRedZone Preseason D1 All-State Team. As a sophomore in 2021, he recorded 60 tackles and 3 INTs. On offense, had 3 receptions for 101 yards (33.7 avg.) and 1 TD. He was also a three-year member of the varsity basketball team at Clarkston. During his 2022-23 junior season, Stephens, who helped the team to win a district championship, was the team captain and team MVP, was named to the All-North First Team, Oakland Activities Association Red All-League Team and the Detroit All-State Second Team.
OL Kalolo Ta’aga – Archbishop Riordian HS (Calif.)
Ta’aga, a three-star recruit, is rated as the No. 43 player in the state of California by 247Sports, No. 54 by Rivals, No. 56 by ESPN and No. 57 by On3. He is touted as the No. 46 offensive tackle in the nation by 247Sports, No. 68 by On3, No. 74 by ESPN and No. 84 by Rivals. Ta’aga’s first season of football was the fall of 2023 at Archbishop Riordian (Calif.) HS, after playing primarily basketball throughout his athletic career. The quick, rising star was named to the 2023 All-West Catholic Athletic League Second Team after his first season of football and earned Archbishop Riordian’s 2023 Tyrone McGraw Award.
OL Justin Tauanuu – Huntington Beach HS (Calif.)
Tauanuu, a four-star recruit, is rated as the No. 30 player in the state of California by Rivals, No. 37 by 247Sports, No. 51 by ESPN and No. 55 by Rivals. He is touted as the No. 26 offensive tackle in the nation by 247Sports, No. 34 by Rivals, No. 60 by On3 and No. 70 by ESPN. He was selected as a 2024 Polynesian Bowl All-Star. After his 2023 senior season, he was named a JPWest Media Player of the Year finalist. He helped Huntington Beach (Calif.) HS win the 2023 Surf City Lineman Competition. In 2022, he was selected to the 2022 All-Orange County Second Team and the 2022 CalHiSports All-CIFSS Juniors First/Second Team.
OL Hayden Treter – Cherry Creek HS (Colo.)
Treter, a three-star recruit, is rated as the No. 3 player in the state of Colorado by Rivals and 247Sports, No. 6 by ESPN and No. 9 by On3. He is touted as the No. 80 interior offensive lineman in the nation by ESPN, No. 82 by Rivals and No. 83 by 247Sports. He was a three-time 5A State Champion as an offensive tackle at Cherry Creek (Colo.) HS. He was the team captain during his senior season and was named to the 2023 All-State 5A First Team, the 2023 All-Centennial League First Team and 2023 Colorado 5A Playmakers List by being key factor in Cherry Creek’s 2,000-yard rushing attack. The Cherry Creek offensive line was nominated for the Playmaker’s Corner 5A Offensive Playmaker of the Year award. After his junior season, he earned placement on the 2022 All-Centennial League Second Team.
CB Marcelles Williams – St. John Bosco HS (Calif.)
Williams, a four-star recruit, is touted as the No. 5 cornerback in the country by 247Sports, No. 9 by ESPN, No. 12 by Rivals and No. 24 by On3. He is rated as the No. 6 player in the state of California by 247Sports, No. 11 by ESPN and Rivals and No. 19 by On3. He is ranked as the No. 76 recruit in the nation by 247Sports, No. 87 by Rivals and No. 92 by ESPN. He is 77th on the Top247 list, 89th on the Rivals 250 and 93rd on the ESPN 300. He was selected as a 2024 Polynesian Bowl All-Star and was invited to participate at the 2024 NBC All-American Bowl. During his senior season, he helped football powerhouse St. John Bosco (Calif.) to win the 2023 CIF State Football Open Division Championship. He recorded 65 tackles, 2 INTs 8 PBUs and 1 blocked field goal in 2023. Williams was named to the 2023 All-Trinity League First Team, the 2023 LA Times All-Star Team and was selected as a 2023 Los Angeles Rams High School All-Star. Prior to the season, he earned placement on the 2023 MaxPreps Preseason All-American First Team. In 2022, Williams helped the Braves to be crowned National Champions for the third time in 10 years. That season, he tallied 46 tackles, 2 INTs and 4 PBUs. He was named to the 2022 MaxPreps Junior All-American First Team, 2022 All-CIF Southern Section Division I Team and 2022 All-Trinity League First Team. Prior to the season, he was selected to the 2022 MaxPreps Preseason All-State First Team. As a sophomore in 2021, he racked up 42 tackles and 7 PBUs. He earned placement on the 2021 MaxPreps Sophomore All-American First Team. Williams also wrote for his school’s paper. Williams has two older brothers who play college football: Max who is a redshirt senior safety at USC and Macen who is a redshirt junior at Arizona State.
OL Jason Zandamela – Clearwater Academy (Fla.)
Zandamela, a four-star recruit, is touted as the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the country by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals. He is rated as the No. 7 player in the state of Florida by 247Sports, No. 19 by On3, No. 21 by ESPN and No. 34 by Rivals. He is 42nd on the Top247 List, 132nd on the ESPN 300 List and 216th on the Rivals 250 List. He was named a 2024 Under Armour All-American. A native of Mozambique, Africa, Zandamela, a former rugby player, had never even heard of football before coming to America in 2020.He was named to the 2023 USA Today Florida Network Preseason All-State Team and the 2023 MaxPreps Preseason All-American Second Team before his senior season at Clearwater Academy (Fla.). During his junior season in 2022, he helped blocks for a Knights’ offense that averaged 7.8 yards per carry and totaled 198.2 yards on the ground per game.
