USC Trojans Making A Move For Joe Mathis?

Apr 14, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans players run out of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum tunnel before the 2012 spring game. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Recruiting update on Upland High School defensive end Joe "Jo Jo" Mathis

Four-star defensive end Joe "Jo Jo" Mathis of Upland (Calif.) High School has been a busy prospect these past few weeks. On the weekend of June 16-17, Mathis was in San Diego helping Upland's 7-on-7 squad earn a championship at San Diego State University's annual passing league tournament. This past weekend, the 6'4, 250-pound Mathis flew over to Atlanta to compete in the Rivals 100 challenge. Mathis acquitted himself well against some of the elite offensive line prospects in the country, gaining several wins in the 1-on-1 portion of the event. On Wednesday, Mathis was a standout performer in the star studded USC rising stars camp.

The Trojans have not shown Mathis a large amount of interest over these past few months. This was especially evident after USC gained an early commitment from fellow four-star defensive end Kylie Fitts. Mathis, however, changed that with his performance at the Trojans' camp. Mathis had previously stated that he favored Nebraska, Washington and Michigan in his recruitment. However, it's likely that this most recent visit to USC has put the Trojans in much better position to land the big defender's services. Next up for Mathis will be a trip to Beaverton, Ore., to participate in "The Opening" July 5-8 on the Nike campus. SB Nation is covering The Opening and will speak with Mathis at the event.