Santa Margarita (Calif.) 2028 three-star running back Jaion “Duce” Smith was part of an impressive list of recruits that worked out at USC on June 11. Smith left the day with an offer from his hometown school.
“It was a dream come true,” Smith said. “Been looking forward to that since I stepped into high school and it was just amazing when I got it.”
Smith has worked out with Jones in the past, but he’s been able to build a stronger relationship with him over the summer.
“Coach Jones, it’s been amazing getting to know him,” Smith said. “He’s very detailed with his guys, knows what he’s talking about, and he just cares for guys. And that’s pretty much everything I’m looking for in recruitment. Just a coach that looks out for me and I’m comfortable with.”
Leaning on a Former Star Defensive Back at USC
Smith is coming an excellent sophomore season, where he received first team All-Trinity League honors and helped lead his school to an Open Division state championship with three freshmen at USC in receiver Trent Mosley, defensive end Simote Katoanga and cornerback Jayden Crowder and 2027 defensive lineman commit Isaia Vandermade…