Javon Kinlaw is the model USC coaches can now use when recruiting junior college defensive linemen. The Gamecocks can point to Kinlaw’s rise from the JUCO ranks to first round draft pick as a result of time at USC. That’s part of the appeal DT Isaiah Coe (6-3 310) of Iowa Western JC finds in USC, and one of the reasons he has the Gamecocks in his final five as he moves toward his June 5th announcement.
“Yeah, definitely, the way they developed Javon Kinlaw and how they made him into a first round draft pick, he was a top ten prospect,” Coe said. “It was really intriguing to me how they have a love for JUCO guys like myself, and how they produce them and how they make them into better people and better players.”
USC is in the final five for Coe along with Oklahoma, Missouri, Ole Miss and Memphis. Coe said the relationship he’s developed with Will Muschamp and others on the staff is a big reason for that.
“Me and my family talked about it and we were just comfortable with the coaching staff,” Coe said. “I talk to Coach Muschamp often. I was really comfortable putting them in my top five because I like where they at. When they are in a 3-4, I can be on the edge and maybe rush the passer a little bit, and be inside. Or if we’re in the 4-3, I can be a three technique and play the run and pass thru that possession.”
Coe has not visited USC and won’t be able to prior to his announcement. So, the Gamecocks have been sending him pictures of the campus and the facilities. It’s not quite a virtual tour, but it’s been good enough for Coe.
“It was beautiful actually,” Coe said. “I saw the apartments, I saw the weight room and I saw the indoor facility. It really is just a cool city and I really liked it. I’ve seen most of the school already. They are there (in his top five) for a reason. I wouldn’t have put them there if I wasn’t comfortable. If I want some information, I can always call and ask for anything I want to see or anything that they haven’t showed me yet so I can get my full info.”
Coe does have virtual tours planned with Missouri, Ole Miss and Oklahoma.
Coe is a native of Flossmoor, IL and is ranked by 247Sports as the #2 defensive tackle prospect in the country. Last season he had 37 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He is on track to graduate in December and will have three years to play two.
