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Why Daune Morris committed to USC football after his weekend visit

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Oakland football three-star athlete Daune Morris had seven SEC teams in the top 10 that he dropped as of Friday afternoon.

But when the weekend was over, it was a former Pac-12 team and Big Ten freshman who defeated Morris, who committed to Southern Cal during a visit to Los Angeles on Sunday.

“It wasn't until I fully understood (head coach Lincoln) Riley's offense and how he runs it,” the 5-foot-10, 170-pound Morris said of whether he thought he would be able to commit so soon after his departure Committing to the Trojans would be his top 10 pick.

“It actually blew me away. I was attracted to the way they use their offense for versatile guys like me. Once I got the chance and opportunity, it’s one of those schools where you can’t let the opportunity go to waste.”

Morris had SEC schools Auburn, Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Texas A&M, as well as Colorado, Louisville and USC in his top 10.

Morris is listed as the No. 27 athlete nationally by the 247Sports Composite and the No. 16 recruit in Tennessee for the 2025 class.

His first visit to Los Angeles convinced him that the Trojans were the best fit for him. A key factor was close contact with USC running backs coach Anthony Jones, who recruited him when Jones was coaching at TCU and stayed with him after he took the position with the Trojans.

“I was one of the first people he called when he left TCU, and when he came (to USC) he offered me and let me know I was a priority,” Morris said.

Their relationship began when Jones was coaching in Memphis.

Morris said the environment at USC is “different” than other places he has visited.

“I loved it,” Morris said. “From the coaching staff to the recruiters… everyone. I just loved the atmosphere. It's a different kind of coaching there. USC is just one of those schools. It's a great running back school. There's a lot of history, especially for versatile running backs.

“Plus it’s a private school and one of the best in the country, you can’t beat that. I also felt like it was a good choice for me. Coach Jones initially plays a large role in the academic area. That was a big step for me to understand how prestigious the school is.

MORE: Here's a look at Murfreesboro Area Football's top college football recruits for the 2025 and 2026 classes

After transferring from Chattanooga, he had a breakout junior season in Oakland. The Tennessee Titans' Class 6A Mr. Football finalist and first-team All-Area player rushed for 2,012 yards, added 568 receiving yards and scored 36 total touchdowns, leading the Patriots to their fourth straight Class 6A BlueCross Bowl .

Morris still plans an unofficial visit to Colorado April 25-28 and an official visit to Auburn June 7-9. He also said he would likely visit Tennessee again, which he has already visited.

“I know the schools will still come after me and that will make it a little more difficult,” Morris said. “I am committed to USC. I just have to stay level-headed. Whatever happens next, happens next. But from now on I’m committed to the Trojans.”

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