Lincoln Riley is very excited to add Tackett Curtis.

The Many (La.) linebacker signed with USC on the first day of the Early Signing Period, seeing through a near-six-month commitment to the Trojans. The 6-foot-2, 218-pound Curtis was one of the highest-rated linebackers in the country, but Riley told reporters this week at his signing day press conference that in his evaluation Curtis is the best there is.

“There wasn’t a linebacker in the country we wanted more than Tackett Curtis. I think he’s the best inside linebacker in the country, there’s not one I would take over him. I think he is phenomenal.”

The Trojans plucked several young linebackers out of the transfer portal last offseason — Utah’s Carson Tabaracci and Arizona State’s Eric Gentry. Gentry turned into an immediate star and a player that defensive coordinator Alex Grinch relied upon. USC is also getting Shane Lee back for another year, and it recently added former All-Big 12 linebacker Mason Cobb from the transfer portal.

But Curtis was a major priority for USC in the 2023 cycle, and it would appear the Trojans made him certainly feel like it.

Curtis played a hybrid safety/linebacker role for Many High. He projects as an inside ‘backer in USC’s defense. In the 2023 class, he ranked as the 113th overall prospect and the 10th-best linebacker, according to the industry-generated 247 Composite.

As a sophomore in 2020, Curtis was everywhere. He played safety, running back, and return man on special teams. He helped Many to the Louisiana 2A state title while earning the Shreveport Times’ Defensive Player of the Year honor, the Louisiana Sports Writers Association 2A Defensive Player of the Year award, and a first-team all-state selection.

He had 92 tackles and four interceptions as a sophomore. As a junior, he was just as good. Last fall, Curtis produced 103 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, an interception, and a fumble recovery. On offense, he also ran for 494 yards (11.5 per carry) and three scores.