Thomas Graham Jr Talks about Latest USC Unofficial Visit after Utah Win

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Rancho Cucamonga High School’s standout cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. has the best of both worlds. Not only is he one of the more sought after Class of 2017 players in the nation but he is also committed to one of the top programs in the nation and within driving distance of said school able to attend home games regularly.

USC may not be in the midst of the type of season they expected when preseason rankings had the Trojans at No. 8 but as seen on Saturday, this USC squad has enough talent to play with any team in the nation on any given night. That type of play is keeping key recruits like Graham in the mix until a new head coach is named.

I caught up with Thomas for a Recruiting News Exclusive interview getting his thoughts on the Trojans play on Saturday, received an update on his season to date, and got a recruiting news update… of course.

Interview                  

Thomas, how did your unofficial visit to USC go?

“The Utah game was a good game. The visit went well. We got there walked around, went to the game, went down on the sidelines before the game, watched it, and then after the game I went in the locker room for five minutes or so to hear the coaches talk.”

Did you get to meet with any of the coaches?

“I met Coach (Keith) Hayward (defensive backs coach and interim Head Coach (Clay) Helton.

What did the coaches talk about with you?

“Coach Heyward said I had a good game on Friday. Helton said, glad we could make it to the game and go Trojans, Fight On! He said I wish you guys could play today.

Who was with you?

“Summit running back Stephen Carr.” (Class of 2017 – Fontana, CA)

Is there anything left on the campus or with the facilities that you have not seen yet and would like to see?

“I’ve seen a lot of stuff on campus, my sister goes there. I’ve seen pretty much everything there is to see there. I’ve been there for a lot of the home games.”

Are you recruiting others to join you at USC in 2017?

“I’ll talk about USC to anyone. I do want my teammate Jaylon Redd (cornerback) to come join me.”

The Utah vs. USC game was a great game for Trojans’ fans. Was there anything that excited you about the game as a verbal commitment to the program?

“I liked how the receivers stood out. JuJu Smith, Adoree’ Jackson, and Dominic Davis had good games. I liked how the defense shutdown (running back) Devontae Booker. They held him under 100 yards and stopped him from taking the game over. I thought the defense had a real good game plan.”

How is your season going on the field?

“It’s going real good. I got my first true pick on Friday. I played more offense on Friday. I’m having a good season and trying to make all-state.”

Do you have an idea of you stats?

“I think I have five receptions for over 100 yards with one touchdown. I’m estimating but I should have around 65 tackles, 4-5 tackles for a loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and four fumble recoveries.”

Are you going on any other unofficial visits coming up?

“I’m not sure. I’ll talk to my dad about it but most likely not until the offseason if do go on a visit somewhere.”

Are you still a hard commitment to USC?

“Yes.”

Is there any way you would decommit from USC with the new coaching hire?

“The only way I would decommit is if the new system does not fit my skill set but I don’t want to decommit.”

Thomas, thanks for your time today. Good luck the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: scout.com; Thomas Graham Jr.