Receiver Corey Simms chooses USC over Penn State and Missouri

The USC football program received some good news on Sunday. St. Louis-based high school receiver Corey Simms chose USC over Big Ten competitor Penn State and his home-state team, Missouri. Beating out Penn State for a receiver gives USC value on two levels: adding to its roster while depriving a Big Ten foe of a roster enhancement. Beating out Missouri feels like a bigger deal now than it would have three years ago because the Tigers are currently a top-10 program under coach Eli Drinkwitz, and have a real shot at the College Football Playoff this year.

One wonders if Missouri’s increased profile in college football, not just the Penn State brand name, will give USC an extra measure of momentum on the recruiting trail and enable the narrative around the Trojan program to change for the better. USC can certainly use a boost in positive perception after a series of recent recruiting losses. Numerous decommitments from players who had committed to USC in March have jolted the program. Sunday was definitely a welcome bit of respite from a tidal wave of bad news.

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