Arbor View (Nevada) star Christian Thatcher is without doubt one of the most coveted linebackers within the West Area within the 2025 class.
And for good motive.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Will linebacker, rated a four-star prospect, was a tackling machine at the highschool stage.
Thatcher performed three years of faculty soccer and accrued 327 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 9 sacks and two interceptions.
He additionally accrued 30 scholarship provides throughout that point, highlighting Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC, Utah, Washington and others.
This weekend, Thatcher made his third journey to USC, a key go to given the teaching turnover on the Trojans' workers.
This go to answered many key questions for the coveted linebacker.
“I really feel like they're going to fully flip the protection round,” Thatcher mentioned. “They're recruiting lots of defensive guys and the workers is aware of what they're doing. After having a day to speak to them, I'm assured they're going to show issues round within the Massive Ten.”
Mix his perception in protection with what USC stands for on the planet of faculty soccer, and the Trojans may very well be robust to beat.
“I believe the custom at USC … is nothing prefer it,” Thatcher mentioned. “It's California. It doesn't get a lot better. I believe they’ve among the best defensive staffs within the nation. They’re overqualified for the place they’re. They made me a precedence and that makes them stand out.”
Thatcher already had relationship with new defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn from his time at UCLA and is constructing a powerful reference to linebackers coach Matt Entz.
“(Entz) let me know I'm one among their guys,” he mentioned. “Coach Lynn and I have already got connection.
All of it is a recipe for USC to finally land the Nevada star.
However the competitors shall be robust, together with Washington, which Thatcher intends to go to in early February.
Whereas some may speculate that the Huskies must come from behind given the turnover of their teaching workers, Thatcher (once more) is aware of the teaching workers from a earlier cease in Arizona.
“We have been actually linked with the Arizona workers … just about everyone,” he mentioned. “We have already got bond. If they provide me, I need to go there and get to know Seattle and see what Washington has to supply.”
Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon and others are additionally contenders value watching.
As for the choice date, Thatcher mentioned he expects the dedication to return earlier than his senior season — and his march towards 400 profession tackles.
“I believe I'm beginning to slender it down just a little bit,” he mentioned. “I need to decide earlier than my senior season. I need to give attention to my senior season and know the place I'm going to go to school.”
It's clear that USC shall be a severe contender on this race.
Junior season highlights
