HV Jenkins lineman Lorenzo Cowan switched his college football commitment from Kentucky to the University of Southern California (USC). He celebrated his decision on Wednesday in the HV Jenkins High School auditorium. He announced his decision during a signing ceremony with family, friends, coaches, teammates, and local media.
Cowan admired USC's impressive facilities, Manhattan Beach pier, and stadium remodel. He consulted with his brother and decided USC was the best option.
Cowan planned to join his brother, Travion Gadson, another HV Jenkins standout, on the Wildcat football team in Kentucky. But he opted for USC instead and flew to Los Angeles to check it out. When asked if he received advice from his brother, he said yes, we talk every day.
"For sure. You know, we talk to each other all the time. Whether we are in the same room or not, we talk every day. He told me that the business side of football is important outside of football." Cowen said. "I won't be hurt by not being with him because we're family, and we'll still talk."
Cowan's visit to USC was outstanding; he loved the program, Southern California, and the coaches. The bond deepened when Head Coach Lincoln Riley and USC outside linebackers coach Roy Manning visited him the following week.
An athlete with a 3.4 GPA, standing at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, is interested in pursuing sports psychology. He plans to enroll early at USC on January 4. During his senior season at Jenkins, he recorded 76 tackles, 11 for losses, and eight sacks, helping the team reach the Class 5A state quarterfinals.
Cowan attributes his growth as a player to Jenkins' coaching staff, particularly Head Coach Tony Welch's challenging but instructive approach. Coach Frank Kearse's NFL experience also helped develop Cowan. The playoffs taught him leadership and composure in challenging games.
Cowen stated, "You know, when it came to football, a lot of people, including my coach and coaches, were hard on me out there. However, I understood how to take the message on and off the field. The coaches pushed me academically, you know, they were tough on me because they wanted the best out of me, and I knew that."
Coach Welch was thrilled to have another player sign with a Power 5 school. He felt Cowan's impressive skills and character caught the attention of the USC coaching staff, and it was a great fit for Lorenzo.
Welch stated that Lorenzo and Tavion wouldn't be playing together on Saturdays as they did on Fridays, but he believes they will both make waves on Sundays in the future.
Note that Lorenzo won't be the only football player at USC. This year, former Benedictine Military School Cadet Hunter Dunn walked on the USC team this past season. He had this to say when asked if Lorenzo knew another person from Savannah, Georgia is a USC Trojan. Also, does that make him feel comfortable knowing someone from the area is there already?
"He's there, and we have some other guys in surrounding areas. They're not much, but we have some guys," said Cowen. "Yeah, it makes me happy to know that they like it. Hunter has always been very positive about USC, so it's reassuring to hear positive feedback from people with much influence. It's amazing."
Local Football Standouts Sign College Commitments:
- Bryce Baker (Benedictine Military School) - Georgia Southern
- David Bucey (Savannah Christian Preparatory School) - University of South Carolina
- Elyjah Thurman (Bradwell Institute) - Clemson
- Jake Merklinger (Calvary Day School) - University of Tennessee
- Jaylen Hampton (New Hampstead High School) - Western Kentucky
- La'Don Bryan (Benedictine Military School) - Northern Illinois
- Lorenzo Cowan (HV Jenkins High School) - University of Southern California
- Luke Kromenhoek (Benedictine Military School) - Georgia Southern
- Michael Smith (Calvary Day School) - University of South Carolina
PHOTO CREDIT: Prep Sports Report
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