It’s not often USC attracts a prospect from San Diego to a camp, much less a junior college prospect. But a connection within the coaching staff convinced OT Isaiah Jatta (6-6 310) of San Diego and Snow Junior College in Utah to fly cross-country and show Shane Beamer and offensive line coach Greg Adkins what he’s made of.
“I had been recruited by Coach Lonnie Teasley (offensive analyst) back in high school when he was at North Carolina Central,” Jatta told SportsTalkSC on his way back to the West Coast. “He told me I’m on evaluation at USC and the camp could tremendously help my recruiting. And it did, I put on a show (Channel 51).”
That he did. Jatta was so impressive in his Wednesday camp session he was offered Saturday by Beamer and Adkins at the conclusion of an unofficial visit.
“While at the camp, Coach Adkins liked how much of a leader and inspirational person I was to younger campers there,” Jatta said. “A lot of the younger athletes looked up to me and I did help them as well while at the camp. That was something that was noted. As far as a fit, I’m a winner, a leader, and am hungry. So, it would mesh up very well with what they want to accomplish, an SEC championship and winning pedigree.”
Jatta said he did not commit to the Gamecocks before leaving, but they are certainly a major player for him now.
“I have until December to commit somewhere, but the South Carolina experience was fun,” he said. “I enjoyed my unofficial visit out there. I know it holds a lot of weight because it’s an SEC offer and my first one at that. I am beyond blessed, and most importantly want to thank my god and my family who support me throughout this recruiting process. They are high up on my recruiting for sure, but with so much time for my recruiting, who knows what could happen.”
Jatta also holds offers from Nevada-Reno, Fresno State, Kansas, Utah State, Kent State, Idaho State, North Carolina Central and Eastern Michigan. He has also taken an unofficial visit to Kansas. He reports back to Snow College on July 18th.
