Danny Lockhart commits to USC football recruiting class for 2020

Three-star linebacker Danny Lockhart announced his commitment to USC football’s 2020 recruiting class on Monday night as a preferred walk-on.

Danny Lockhart intends to strengthen the St. John Bosco pipeline to USC, and he’ll do it without taking a coveted scholarship spot for the Trojans.

A three-star linebacker per 247Sports, he announced his commitment to USC on Twitter saying “INSPIRATION FOR THE UNDERRATED #COMMITTED”

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He will be a preferred walk-on, according to Greg Biggins of 247Sports.

The 5-foot-10, 210-pound linebacker was a stalwart for St. John Bosco, which has also produced cornerback Chris Steele, tight end Jude Wolfe and linebacker Ralen Goforth. He was second in tackles with 78 and third in tackles for loss with eight as a senior.

Despite the production, Lockhart never garnered major college interest. In that way, he somewhat resembles Goforth, who was the Trinity League’s Defensive MVP but only managed a three-star rating.

Lockhart is undoubtedly a lesser profile than Goforth as a recruit however. He ranks No. 2,552 in the 247Sports player rankings, while rating No. 114 among linebackers and No. 314 in the state of California.

By becoming a preferred walk-on, Lockhart will allow USC to take a chance on an under-recruited prospect while keeping room open to add to an already limited class on Signing Day next Wednesday.

USC signed 12 players in December, which leaves them well below the 25 initial scholarship limit. There is only room to bring in three more scholarship players though. That’s because of the 85-man total scholarship limit. The Trojans currently have 82 scholarship players on the roster.

More spots may open up as players make transfer decisions, like safety C.J. Pollard who announced his graduate transfer on Monday. For now, enticing an intriguing preferred walk-on seems to be a smart strategy.