Keenyi Pepe is all-in on USC, shutting down further recruitment

Everyone goes about their recruitment differently. That goes for schools like USC and players alike. For one of the more recent commits,  Keenyi Pepe, there isn't a need to explore the topic of conversation any further.

On Friday, the offensive lineman out of IMG Academy in Florida announced that he would be shutting down any further recruitment. In the modern college football era, the word 'commitment' can have a very fluid meaning.

Even when a player announced their intention to join a certain program, other schools will publicly host and continue to go after the potential flip from someone that could be an important boost to their football team.

In the case of Pepe, that will no longer be an option or avenue for other programs to explore. As shared by Rivals' John Garcia Jr., the OL talent will keep his focus exclusively on USC. For someone who has interest from other good, national brands, such as Texas and Miami, it's an encouraging sign that Pepe is happy to reinforce his commitment to the Trojans and won't be continuing to look at what others may try to offer in terms of their fit for him on the roster or otherwise.  

This is the second such announcement within recent weeks, as Brandon Lockhart announced earlier this month that he would be shutting down his commitment.

Why it matters for USC

In today's era of the sport, these are positive signs. Players are allowed and entitled to state a commitment and continue to gather information from programs around the country. Between the efforts of the staff and players like Lockart taking an initiative in forming a brotherhood among the current and future Trojan players, the program continues to make positive strides.

For some it may not seem like much or at all significant. Having top-end talents such as Lockhart and Pepe make their intention clear and definitive now, among a number of potential other suitors and options, is telling of how coach Lincoln Riley is turning things around in Los Angeles.