Brentwood Academy running back Jalen Ramsey powers past the Maplewood defense for a touchdown.KNOXVILLE — The top-rated high school football player in Tennessee is heading to the West Coast.
Brentwood Academy cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the state’s No. 1 prospect according to Rivals.com and 247Sports, committed to Southern Cal during an announcement ceremony Monday afternoon.
Ramsey’s relationship with a beloved former University of Tennessee quarterback was a factor in his decision to join a vilified former Volunteers coach. The four-star prospect’s other finalists were Vanderbilt, Washington, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Auburn and Tennessee.
Two summer unofficial visits to Los Angeles were impressive enough to sway Ramsey to join the Trojans’ program, which is led by former one-year Vols coach Lane Kiffin.
“He’s a chill person outside of the football field,” Ramsey told ESPN. “You can definitely get along with him, but he’s going to push his kids and get the best out of his kids. He’s a loving person despite all the rumors you hear in Tennessee with him. I don’t feel like any of it is true.