And some Wednesday Night Notes
New USC tight ends coach Jody Wright sent out a couple of offers Wednesday to prospects at his position. One went to Josh Palmer (6-5 215) of Selma, AL. The other went to Reid Mikeska (6-6 230) of Houston, TX. Mikeska was in contact in recent weeks with USC recruiter Pete Lembo who did the background work with him until Wright was hired last week.
“I started talking to Coach Lembo a couple of weeks ago, and he kept telling me to be patient,” Mikeska said. “They hired coach Wright, and Coach Lembo loved my film, so he showed it to Coach Wright. Coach Wright loved it. They showed it to the rest of the staff, and they all loved it, so they just ended up offering me. It’s huge. I’m very excited about it. They are a top school for sure, easily, along with Clemson, Florida, Michigan State, Baylor, Iowa State, Ole Miss and Tennessee. I’ve been a fan of South Carolina for a while. I was born in Raleigh, NC so I’ve kept up with those schools. I’m just very blessed. Just a big fan of South Carolina.”
Last season Mikeska caught 24 passes for 300 yards and four touchdowns. He said he’s that new hybrid version of a tight end who can play all over, and that’s what Wright and other coaches like about him.
“I can split out, I’m a H-Back, I’m in-line, I can just do it all,” Mikeska said. “He just sees putting me anywhere. Anywhere in his offense, I’ll be successful.”
Mikeska plans to visit USC in March or early April. He is going to Clemson March 5th. The Tigers haven’t offered but there appears to be strong enough interest between him and tight ends coach Kyle Richardson that something like that could happen on his visit.
“We have a great relationship,” Mikeska said. “I’ve been talking with them for about a month or two. I text Coach Richardson almost every day. They are real excited to get me up there. He sees me as being very versatile. Put me anywhere and I’ll be able to succeed in your offense. They love my aggression and my athleticism and all that.”
Mikeska has never visited Clemson but from afar he has developed a fondness for the program.
“It’s just a team culture, winning culture,” Mikeska said. “Great school. Great location. Great fanbase. There’s nothing to not like about Clemson.”
Also in March, Mikeska plans to visit Florida, Tennessee and Ole Miss, which offered him Wednesday night. In January he made visits to Michigan State, Michigan, Baylor and TCU. He also has offers from Coastal Carolina, Utah, Duke, Rice, Northwestern, Connecticut, Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee, Virginia, and Iowa State.
Also Wednesday:
- USC offered 2024 WR Ny Carr (6-0 170) of Moultrie, GA
- Old Dominion offered Wren SAF Travon West
- Oceanside College TE/LB Carson Arnold committed to The Citadel
- USC target CB RJ Johnson was offered by Georgia Southern
- USC target JUCO DT Elijah Davis from Wagener-Salley was offered by Miami
- USC target RB Jaylen Johnson was offered by East Carolina
- USC target OT Wilkin Formby was offered by Penn State
- USC target RB Daylan Smothers was offered by Miami
- USC and Clemson target OT Olaus Alinen was offered by Florida State and Auburn
- Camden DT Xzavier McLeod was offered by Arkansas
- USC target DT Stephiylan Green of Rome, GA was offered by LSU
- Clemson target RB Richard Young was re-offered by LSU. He also was offered by Syracuse
- Clemson target OT Sam Pendleton was offered by Syracuse
- USC offered 6-7 Coen Carr of Legacy Charter in Greenville. He’s a native of Atlanta.
