Young recruit’s story recalls Lane Kiffin moment at USC

Remember when #USC’s Lane Kiffin offered a scholarship to a 13-year-old? @DonJamesSports talks to an even younger recruit.

You might recall that when he came to USC as the Trojans’ head coach over a decade ago, Lane Kiffin offered a scholarship to a 13-year-old, David Sills, who gave his verbal commitment to USC before entering high school.

Back then, Sills hoped to be a quarterback. It didn’t turn out that way, but Sills — who eventually played college football at West Virginia — turned into a very good receiver. Today, at age 26, Sills plays for the New York Giants of the NFL. What seemed like a preposterous recruiting story — how can a 13-year-old make a serious recruiting choice? — did not lead to a dead end. It led to the NFL. There was actually some substance there all along.

Are we going to see another very young recruit turn into something special?

Madden San Miguel, also known as Baby Gronk, may be just 10 years old, but he has found himself the center of attention over the last couple of years on social media. He has entered the NIL space. He participates in football camps and academies. He presents himself as a Class of 2031 recruit.

Maybe USC can use a pass-catching tight end in eight years.

San Miguel has dreams of being an NFL star, telling Sports Illustrated that he wants “to go to the NFL and be the first draft pick.”

The fourth grader from Frisco, Texas, has over 300,000 followers on Instagram and has taken unofficial visits to LSU, Texas, Florida State and Oregon.

Believe it or not, San Miguel considers USC one of the top schools where he would like to play. Learn more about him in the conversation below.

I sat down with the football prodigy — with his father in the room — to do one of the more fun interviews I’ve done at Trojans Wire.

Trojans Wire: Who is the coolest celebrity that you’ve met or had contact with so far?

Baby Gronk: Olivia “LIVVY” Dunne from LSU. She shows me the value of NIL and how to capitalize as a college athlete.

Trojans Wire: How did you get the nickname Baby Gronk?

Baby Gronk: My dad saw me at recess one day, dragging kids across the playground. He said it looked like Rob Gronkowski in his prime. 

Trojans Wire: Do you have a favorite USC player of all time?

Baby Gronk: Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and LenDale White.

Trojans Wire: Celebrity crush?

Baby Gronk: Livvy Dunne is my celebrity crush.

Trojans Wire: What message do you have for any naysayers?

Baby Gronk: Only time will tell. Freshman-year high school football will say a lot. But even without football as an influencer I plan on being good for life.

Trojans Wire: What separates you from competitors your age ?

Baby Gronk: I would say my Football IQ, footwork, and route running.

Trojans Wire: How has your dad helped you every day, handling the hype and viral success?

Baby Gronk: He’s applied pressure and made me understand it.

Trojans Wire: Are you excited about a potential visit to USC?

Baby Gronk: Yes, I love L.A! USC is in my top three schools.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm2b6MuoNGk/

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