Julien Simon commits to USC football recruiting class of 2021

Four-star athlete Julien Simon gave USC football fans something to cheer about on Mother’s Day by committing to the Trojans.

USC football’s recruiting efforts in quarantine continue to outdo themselves.

On Sunday, the Trojans landed the commitment of four-star athlete Julien Simon, giving the class of 2021 another Top 100 prospect.

The player announced his pledge on Instagram Live.

Simon ranks No. 99 in the 247Sports composite, sitting fifth among athletes.

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At 6-foot-2, 221 pounds, he brings a serious amount of versatility. As a receiver at Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington, Simon caught 83 passes for 1,033 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also scored seven touchdowns on handoffs.

https://twitter.com/_JulienSimon/status/1259597646202720256

Despite the production on offense, and the potential to play either wide receiver or running back in college, Simon may end up on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker or safety for USC. He’s no slouch there. As a junior, he nabbed four interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. The year before he had five picks, three of which he returned for scores, to go along with eight tackles for loss.

USC will lose only Jordan Iosefa to graduation after the 2020 season, but contributors at linebacker on the inside and outside like Palaie Gaoteote, Kana’i Mauga and Hunter Echols will be eligible to leave for the NFL. At safety, it’s the same story for Isaiah Pola-Mao and Talanoa Hufanga.

Along with Simon, the Trojans have a pledge from four-star outside linebacker Ma’a Gaoteote and athlete Anthony Beavers, who could also help fill those gaps.

Simon’s addition gives USC 11 commitments in the class of 2021. He joins quarterback Jake Garcia and Gaoteote as Top 100 prospects in the class.

He is the seventh player to commit to the Trojans since the start of March as part of a wave of positive recruiting momentum.