Since GM Chad Bowden came to Los Angeles, the USC Trojans have not needed much help outside of their program in the area of recruiting. But when you have the cache that is Los Angeles at your disposal, why not take advantage?
When you look at the sports landscape in the city of LA, with so many teams, there is plenty of star power to choose from. But when it comes to recent football success, there is one name that means more among the younger fan base.
Aaron Donald.
USC Trojans co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach, Eric Henderson, was Donald’s position coach with the Los Angeles Rams, and since he came over to the Trojans, Donald has made a few appearances and graced the sidelines of the Coliseum a few times.
On Saturday, he was back on campus and at the Coliseum for USC’s spring practice.
When an unstoppable force meets immovable objects!!!@AaronDonald97 @PKeenyi @breck_kolojay @LincolnRiley @AdamBreneman81 pic.twitter.com/jon41njLiW
— Cliff Hill (@Coachcliff904) April 19, 2025
Aaron Donald Makes A Surprise Visit To USC Trojans Practice
It doesn’t matter what position you play; seeing and meeting a future Hall of Famer such as Aaron Donald is something that you do not forget.
In the photo above, he is pictured with priority recruits 5-star offensive lineman Keenyi Pepe and 4-star offensive lineman Breck Kolojay. Both are teammates at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, and are big targets for the Trojans.
Also Read: USC Trojans Earn First Commitment From Spring Transfer Portal
One funny side note, Aaron Donald is arguably the greatest defensive player to ever play in the NFL, and he somehow looks small standing next to these soon-to-be high school seniors. This does, however, show the USC Trojans commitment to getting bigger in the trenches and going after certain types of players.
Saturday’s practice hosted a ton of high-profile recruits, including the two above, along with commits Brandon Lockhard, Tomuhini Topui, Madden Riordan, and priority recruits OL Kannon Smith, WR James Scott, OL Sam Utu, and transfer portal prospects LB Ta’mere Robinson, Gary Bryant III, and CB Rayshawn Pleasant, among many more.