USC recruiting wins continue as 3-star LB Taylor Johnson joins program

USC fans want to see more linebacking depth, and the coaching staff is making sure to add to that room. While it won't help for the upcoming year, the Trojans added another piece to that room who brings a lot to the table in terms of skill set.

Part of the class of 2026, Taylor Johnson announced his commitment to USC on Monday. The LB out of Cajon High School in San Bernardino, California, is a three-star athlete and will offer a lot on defense at the collegiate level.

Among the other schools interested were Arizona and Oregon State. The influence and offer from coach Rob Ryan, however, appear to have been enough to convince Johnson to stay home and pick USC over the other options.

As shared by On3's Hayes Fawcett, the Trojan commit let his intention and desire to play for coach Ryan and coach Lincoln Riley be known: "CHANGE YOUR LIFE, Fight On!"

On defense, he is someone who not only has a lot of speed but also has good change of direction and quickness. In coverage he can do well in zone, for example, and then make a play on a scrambling QB or receiver out of the backfield. Simply put, Johnson can make plays from that position that others can't.

Then, in more pass-rushing situations or when needing to stop the run, he isn't shy about being the one to initiate contact and come out on the better end of things either. If USC fans want more linebacking depth, they'll soon have an excellent addition there in Johnson.

Bigger picture for USC

Being able to attract talent and stand out among the possible destinations as a top school in the country is what USC recruiting has always been. It took a step back in the more recent years, but the Trojan staff is making a concerted effort to return to what playing at the Coliseum used to mean when the program was firing on all cylinders.

The path and return to CFB greatness is a brick-by-brick process. Years of poor decisions and short-sighted thinking will take some time to undo again.

Along the way, however, it's important to take note of signs of improvement and why things happen as they unfold. More importantly, if the success is duplicable. Clearly, the efforts are paying off, and athletes like Johnson not only show that this is becoming the case but also that the ensuing classes will continue to see success for years to come if they stick with their current efforts.