USC’s pursuit of 2016 recruit Jonathan Kongbo III continues

USC wants to sign defensive end Jonathan Kongbo III in the 2016 recruiting class.

The 6-foot-6, 265-pound Kongbo is a top-rated prospect from Arizona Western College, and by the looks of his USC-infused Twitter account, he is seriously considering the Trojans.

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Coach Clay Helton and assistant Kenechi Udeze made a visit to Kongbo last week, and Kongbo followed with an official visit to USC’s campus over the weekend.

During his visit, Kongbo was photographed in a Trojans No. 55 jersey, a number traditionally assigned at USC by the coach to an outstanding linebacker.

USC’s pursuit of Kongbo appeared to continue Tuesday, when he posted a photo of Udeze with the caption, “@CoachKU_USC showing some dedication out here falling asleep after our 1 am visit #FightOn.”

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Coaches are allowed one visit per week to a recruit’s home or school during the contact period, which began Jan. 14 and ends Jan. 30.

Kongbo also has hosted coaches from Ole Miss, Tennessee, Florida State, Alabama and Washington, among others, and he has made official visits to Ole Miss, Oregon State and Tennessee.

He once was committed to Tennessee, but announced his decommitment following a flurry of scholarship offers.

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USC has 13 players committed in the 2016 class, including defensive linemen Liam Jimmons from Huntington Beach and Oluwole Betiku from Gardena Serra, who have enrolled in spring semester courses and are expected to participate in spring practices.

Seven scholarships remain available.

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