USC nabbed the commitments of two big-time recruits in Ykili Ross and Marvell Tell Saturday during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, but the Trojans missed on another recruitment — bringing Nelson Agholor back to school for his senior season.
The junior wide out declared for the 2015 NFL Draft on Twitter Saturday and predictably, social media had plenty to say about the decision.
USC junior WR @NelsonAgh15 has declared for the 2015 NFL Draft. More: http://t.co/19UPDNSQJV #USCtotheNFL pic.twitter.com/5YlMmJ99So
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) January 3, 2015
Pat Haden had a message for Agholor.
Thanks to Nelson Agholor for all he did for our program. Great player, better person. Fight on
— Pat Haden (@ADHadenUSC) January 3, 2015
Few were surprised by Agholor’s decision.
The lifespan of a offensive skill position player is short in the NFL. Can't fault Nelson Agholor for heading to the Draft.
— Jacob Freedman (@Jacob_Freedman) January 3, 2015
Nelson leaving is an interesting decision, but ultimately one he felt was best for him.
— Thanos (@FightOnTwist) January 3, 2015
#USC junior wide receiver Nelson Agholor is turning pro, as expected.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 3, 2015
Former Trojan Devon Kennard had a message for the two departing Trojans.
Congrats to my boys @LWtrojan94 & @NelsonAgh15 on great college careers... Time to join the rest of us in NFL now! #Trojans2NFL
— DK (@DevonKennard) January 3, 2015
At Reign of Troy we couldn’t help but remember a touching picture from the Holiday Bowl.
Here's a shot we got after the Holiday Bowl, of Nelson Agholor embracing Leon McQuay while praising LM3's play. #USC pic.twitter.com/PSOvj7LQEt
— Reign of Troy (@ReignofTroy) January 3, 2015
USCFootball.com’s Josh Webb shared his final memory of Agholor as a Trojan.
Last memory I'll have of Nelson Agholor is him thanking me for putting on the Holiday Bowl in the bowels of Qualcomm.
— Thanos (@FightOnTwist) January 3, 2015
Note: I didn't not put on the Holiday Bowl
— Thanos (@FightOnTwist) January 3, 2015
Michael Lev of the Orange County Register reflected on the ways of the world.
#USC comings and goings today: Ykili Ross and Marvell Tell in. Nelson Agholor out. Circle of life.
— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev) January 3, 2015
Freeman meanwhile reflected on the next man up.
With Nelson Agholor gone, it's time for George Farmer to shine. Has shown flashes, been in program for four years, should now get snaps.
— Jacob Freedman (@Jacob_Freedman) January 3, 2015
Max Meyer of Neon Tommy and Evan Budrovich of Conquest Chronicles raised their own replacement recommendation.
W/ Agholor going pro & w/ everyone buzzing about his performance in Holiday Bowl, #USC's Adoree' Jackson should play more on offense in 2015
— Max Meyer (@TheMaxMeyer) January 3, 2015
Expect Adoree' Jackson to now play a lot more offense, especially since Nelson Agholor will not be returning.
— Evan Budrovich (@evanbud) January 3, 2015
As did Gerard Martinez.
#USC will bring in two junior college transfers in De'Quan Hampton and Isaac Whitney to replace the loss of Nelson Agholor in 2015.
— Gerard Martinez (@gmartlive) January 3, 2015
Unsurprisingly, talk turned to another Trojan weighing an NFL decision.
I'd be pretty surprised if #USC RB Buck Allen stuck around another year. Running backs have an even shorter shelf life than wide receivers.
— Max Meyer (@TheMaxMeyer) January 3, 2015