USC commit Brandon Lockhart reflects a deeper commitment to legacy over paycheck

Athletes using social media is not necessarily a reflection of anything. They too can spend part of their downtime simply scrolling and replying or reposting content as mindlessly as the rest of us sometimes. Too often, a lot more than what was ever intended can come from a simple emoji, for example.

In the case of USC commit Brandon Lockhart, his replies to a fan regarding part of the reasoning behind his decision to join the Trojans can only endear him more to a fan base that loves what they are seeing from future players like him.

While some schools require their head coach to jump in a pool in what can accurately be described as an odd and pressed situation from the recruiting party, others do not have to resort to stunts or tricks. Instead, USC's best asset is the vision and others buying in and continuing the momentum.

Lockhart is someone who is constantly using his social media platform to either help in recruiting aspects or talk up USC. The enthusiasm and joy that he has in helping to bring the program to where it needs to be are clear.

Lockhart understands what he can achieve at USC

During the interaction on X, one of Lockhart's statements is another great illustration of the current USC model bringing in the right people to Los Angeles who want to compete for the Cardinal and Gold. The class of 2026 defender said:

"I want what I bring to this program and the culture to be something remembered……forever!!! I want my name in bronze, not just on a paycheck."

This answer was regarding the amount someone was paid to commit or otherwise. What many, including the person Lockhart was interacting with, do not realize is that there are a lot of pitfalls in the current college system due to the lack of guardrails.

Some may claim that a high-profile athlete was offered x amount. Until the dollars are actualized, it is virtually meaningless. Even if the numbers are true, it becomes a question of going out for a short amount of money now versus establishing connections and being able to cash in for many years to come, well past the four years as a college player.

In that regard, USC will always be able to outperform any other school in the nation. Lockhart's goal of being enshrined and leaving a lasting impact is highly realistic and shows that he, along with the rest of the future recruiting classes, knows what is possible by being a Trojan.