Lincoln Riley visits 5-star edge rusher, finds him wearing Oregon gloves
It’s shaping up to be quite the battle for Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei.
He’s one of the top-ranked prospects in the 2023 class and has already taken official visits to USC, Oregon, and Ohio State. Both of the Pac-12’s elites want to see Uiagalelei stay on the West Coast.
To that end, USC head coach Lincoln Riley and defensive assistant Donte Williams were on hand Friday night for St. John Bosco’s game against Mater Dei. The Trojans host Washington State Saturday, so Riley had time to get down to the game between California powerhouses. There was talent all over the field, but Uiagalelei would be one of the best pieces of the 2023 class Riley is putting together.
USC football coach Lincoln Riley chats with St. John Bosco coach Jason Negro before the big game against Mater Dei. pic.twitter.com/6KFmlI8e1c
— James H. Williams covers UCLA football (@JHWreporter) October 8, 2022
Mater Dei won 17-7 in a defensive slugfest.
But Riley probably didn’t like what he saw.
Uiagalelei was spotted by Ducks Digest’s Max Torres wearing Oregon gloves.
2023 5-Star EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei wearing Oregon #GoDucks gloves tonight 👀🦆 pic.twitter.com/8gLg3eH9BI
— Max Torres (@mtorressports) October 8, 2022
A 6-foot-5, 265-pound edge rusher, Uiagelelei is one of the best 2023 prospects in the country. He’s a 5-star in the industry-generated 247 Composite and, according to 247Sports, the eighth-ranked recruit in the 2023 class. He’s also the No. 2 edge rusher in the class.
He has taken visits to both USC and Oregon several times. According to 247Sports’ Greg Biggins, Uiagalelei isn’t close to a decision, though. He could take the process all the way until December when he plans to sign. Most of the reporting suggests he’ll get to Tuscaloosa for an official visit this season, and will monitor the play of each of his presumed top four teams (USC and Oregon, Ohio State and Alabama).
The Trojans are 5-0 and ranked No. 6 in the AP Top 25. Oregon is 4-1 and ranked 12th.