Brandon Lockhart recruiting Elbert Hill to USC shows program building for success

The right people can be, and in this case are, in place at a place like USC. If the right players aren't also taking ownership in the program, then a lot of potential ultimately goes to waste. Fortunately for the Trojans, under coach Lincoln Riley and GM Chad Bowden, there is a lot of time spent with interested recruits before their commitment. By the time they take the field as a player, the staff will already have a good idea of who they are and what they represent as individuals.

In the case of Brandon Lockhart, he is someone who has already taken it upon himself to take that extra step. The secondary player, who is wrapping up his junior year at Loyola High School of Los Angeles, continues to take ownership as a Trojan.

Recently shutting down his recruitment, Lockart spoke with Rivals' Matt Moreno on what seeing Elbert Hill also commit to USC meant to him. Both are cornerbacks in the class of 2026. Nowadays, there is more of a public willingness to team up with the best players in the nation. Bringing in top talent at the same position isn't seen as much as direct competition compared to what it may have looked like in past eras.

Instead, being able to push each other and help realize the best version of each other's talents is more of a common theme among a lot of up-and-coming athletes. At the end of the day, team success wins out and allows everyone to shine. Having great teammates and being forced to elevate their approach throughout the week and over the course of the year gets the best out of everyone.

Program cornerstone at USC

It should come as zero surprise to see Lockhart not only actively recruit players like Hill but then go out of his way to help someone who is traveling from out of state when visiting LA. It's this type of selfless leadership that will be leaned on for USC to get back to where it should be in college football.

The top recruiting classes are locked up for the Trojans for the foreseeable future. In order to maintain those currently committed, they'll need to take care of business in the fall. Then the continued, true family-like embrace from those like Lockhart will make certain that USC will be able to attract the best talent around the country for a long time to come.