Commitment Analysis: What TE/H-back Kade Eldridge brings to USC
USC added another piece to its offensive recruiting puzzle Wednesday as three-star tight end/H-back Kade Eldridge, out of Bellingham, Wash., announced his Trojans commitment.
Eldridge, listed at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, visited USC two weekends ago and was down to the Trojans and Oregon while working toward his decision.
He is projected to fill the important H-back role in Lincoln Riley's offense.
"The amount of time spent with Coach Riley stood out to me the most. [We talked about] how he wants to use me and my skill sets on the field," Eldridge told TrojanSports.com after his visit. "I feel like they will use me a lot if I decided to go there. Coach Riley likes to use his TEs a lot and knows how to use them to expose their best talents. ...
"I learned about how important and versatile that [H-back] role is and has to be in their offense."
It has been an integral role in Riley's offenses, serving as a frequent lead blocker in the run game while also allowing him to design creative ways to spring that player out for passing targets.
USC is now up to 11 commitments in this 2023 recruiting class, including two so far this week along with three-star offensive tackle Amos Talalele.
The Trojans have achieved most of their offensive skill position needs in this class with five-star QB Malachi Nelson, five-star WR Zachariah Branch and four-star WR Makai Lemon, four-star RBs Quinten Joyner and A'Marion Peterson, while the Trojans also hosted four-star TEs Duce Robinson and Walker Lyons and four-star WR Jalen Hale on campus last weekend.
USC ranks No. 9 in the Rivals recruiting rankings now.
Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney provides his scouting report on Eldridge below ...
Film Room
Rivals recruiting director Adam Gorney's scouting report
Eldridge is projected as an H-back at USC -- what stands out to you about his abilities in that kind of role?
Gorney: "I made him a high three-star simply sort of based on his size and athletic ability. There's not a ton else to go off of, and that's not really a criticism. He's kind of just a do-it-all utility kind of guy, and you're sort of wondering where he fits in the long-term. Now, that might be a perfect position for a Lincoln Riley offense. Get a guy like that with good size and that athletic ability on the field for Lincoln Riley, and he'll figure out ways to get them the ball in creative ways and make things happen. He basically sort of plays running back for his high school team and looks good doing it, but I don't think he's going to be doing a ton of that at USC. A lot of his highlights are as kind of an edge rusher -- that doesn't seem to be where he's going to be used. He has a lot of special teams highlights. It might sound like I'm being critical -- I'm not -- he's just sort of a guy that you stick on the field wherever you really need him and with that athletic ability he's comfortable doing a lot of things."
You must be a member to read the full article. Subscribe now for instant access to all premium content.
-
Members-only forums
-
Predict prospect commits with FanFutureCast
-
Exclusive highlights and interviews
-
Exclusive coverage of Rivals Camp Series
-
Breaking recruiting news