USC missed on one tight end target this week when Reid Mikeska of Texas committed to Clemson. But they are still in the running for another highly regarded tight end in Jayvontay Conner (6-4 230) of Kernersville, NC. Conner Thursday named his top six of USC, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Mississippi State, Florida State and UCF. Those from his previous short list not making top six were NC State, West Virginia, Oklahoma State, Louisville, Pitt, Missouri, Vanderbilt and Cincinnati.
“Those were six schools that constantly stayed in contact with me and that I was interested in from my end,” Conner said. “I talked it over with my parents and they were also interested in them. They were just schools that we were all interested in and stayed in contact, just stuff like that.”
USC offered Conner in Marich with new tight ends coach Jody Wright, special teams coordinator Pete Lembo and head coach Shane Beamer all involved with his recruiting. He got the chance to meet everyone when he came in to watch a spring practice this month.
“I feel real good about South Carolina,” Conner said. “I went to view the campus and watch the practice. They have a real nice facility. They showed me a lot of love while I was there. I talked to Coach Beamer, Coach Wright, Coach Lembo. Lot of good coaches. (Wright) has NFL experience and definitely knows what he’s talking about. He could really help me in the long run.”
Today’s in demand tight end has to be able to block while attached to the offensive line, and also split out like a receiver and make catches down the field. Asked what tight end coaches like most about him, Conner offered up a one-word reply. “Everything.”
Conner does not think he’ll make it to the USC spring game Saturday night because of a seven-on-seven event he plans to play in in Atlanta. He has visited all of his top schools except for Mississippi State and Maryland and hopes to get to them soon. He said he would like to make a decision within a couple of weeks.
Despite issuing his top six, the offers continue to come in for Conner. He was offered Thursday night by Texas A&M and TCU. He also has offers from Miami, Indiana, USF, Jackson State and Liberty.
