USC made a big recruiting splash, and filled one of its biggest needs for the coming season, on Thursday.
Duce Robinson, the top tight end prospect in the country, committed to the Trojans on Thursday evening, announcing his decision on Instagram. Robinson chose USC over Georgia, Alabama, Texas and Oregon.
The 6-foot-6, 225-pound Robinson caught 84 passes for 1,614 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior at Pinnacle High in Phoenix. He averaged 19.2 yards per reception, won jump balls through sheer strength and usually shed tacklers like he was playing against middle schoolers.
Beyond his receiving abilities, he has the frame and technique to be a strong blocker.
Rated the No. 1 tight end and No. 17 overall recruit in the 2023 class according to 247Sports.com, Robinson was a big, late addition to USC’s recruiting class. The Trojans overtook Oregon for the top high school class in the Pac-12, according to Rivals.com.
Recruiting wins can sometimes have more of a long-term impact than they do initially. But Robinson fills an immediate need at USC, which is shorthanded at tight end during its spring camp.
Senior Malcolm Epps transferred from the program last week. Returning starter Lake McRee has impressed head coach Lincoln Riley at camp. Jude Wolfe is still sorting through an injury. Carson Tabaracci has moved from linebacker to tight end to provide depth, and freshman Kade Eldridge rounds out the position room.
Riley was asked how he felt about depth at the position on Tuesday.
“Right now today? Not good,” he responded before praising McRee’s growth this spring. He then added about depth, “It’s going to be good, it’s just currently at this moment right now, not very good.”
Robinson will have some catching up to do in terms of learning the offense when he arrives, but he has the physical gifts to compete for playing time early in his career.
Robinson is also known as a talented baseball player, with the possibility of being an MLB draft pick this coming July. He has stated his desire to play both professional football and baseball.