USC stops in New York to firm up lineman’s official visit

USC recruiter Lance Thompson has been after defensive lineman Romello Martin of Brooklyn, N.Y., for a couple of years now and this week he went up to New York to meet with Martin in person and firm up his official visit plans.

Martin (6-2, 289) will visit USC Jan. 21.

“Coach Thompson came to see me Monday making sure all my grades are straight,” Martin said. “He said he needs big guys. In the SEC, big guys lead the way. He’s just being straightforward with me. I come in and it’s going to be hard coaching but it’s going to be fun.”

Ole Miss also has been in to see Martin this month and he has set an official visit with the Rebels for Jan. 28. He’s also considering Florida, Louisville and Miami for visits. He visited USC last summer and Ole Miss in the spring.

Martin is not yet in position to declare a favorite.

“I’m still open-minded about all five,” he said. “I want to see the schools before I lean towards a favorite.”

Notes

▪  DE Jaylen Twyman of Washington, DC, recently was offered by USC and set an official visit for Jan. 14. “It was a great feeling talking to coach LT (Lance Thompson) and receiving a offer from them.” Twyman’s other offers include Maryland, Michigan State, Louisville, Florida, Penn State and Pitt.

▪  USC target OL Tony Gray of Loganville, Ga., plans to announce his official visits soon.

▪  RB Jalen Holston of Stockbridge, Ga., committed to Virginia Tech. USC was one of his early offers.

▪  USC Thursday offered TE Jacob Warren of Knoxville. Tennessee also offered him. Warren visited USC for a game this season. “I just like the interest shown by the Gamecocks and coach [Bobby] Bentley. He really made it obvious that he wanted me and thought I would be a great fit for their program.”