USC football commit Shahn Alston speaks on joining the Trojans with Deshonne Redeaux

The USC football class of 2026 is exciting a lot of Trojan fans. And for good reason. Already ahead of the curve, head coach Lincoln Riley and GM Chad Bowden are making sure that the high school pipeline continues to get stronger for the program to best position future success.

Included in the impressive list of currently committed athletes is four-star running back Shahn Alston. Getting production from the RB and showcasing Trojan talent out of the backfield is a vital part of the tradition at USC.

It may be approximately a year and a half down the line, but Alston is someone who fits the mold of a storied RB room. This is true athletically, as he is about to enter his senior year of playing at the high school level in Ohio. It is also evident in how he carries himself and maintains a fantastic, holistic outlook on what coming to USC means.

After all, his class also has Deshonne Redeaux. The four-star back from California is another talent whom Trojan fans are excited to have on campus. For some players, it could be something of an issue to come in to a program with another player who has a high-level ability and likelihood of earning immediate playing time.

Embracing competition at USC football

While speaking with USC J in a show that was streamed on the X platform, Alston spoke on this aspect. When asked about what he thought about entering as a freshman with another four-star athlete at his position, he shared his introspection:

"I really embrace the two back set... Taking up less hits with two running backs in the same class is important. Also having someone that can push you every day, compete in practice... I feel like we'll be a great duo when we get to college."

This type of answer shows a team-first mentality. It, moreover, is telling of Alston. Getting better and being in an environment that channels growth and NFL readiness is important to him, and he feels that USC football gives him the best option in that regard. Being unafraid of someone 'taking' snaps from him and instead seeing the benefits of having a quality room for the team to depend on shows how special of a person the Cardinal and Gold are getting here in short order.