Five-star DT Terry flips pick to USC from Georgia

Tom VanHaaren, ESPN Staff WriterMar 24, 2024, 08:53 AM ET
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- ESPN staff writer
- Joined ESPN in 2011
- Graduated from Central Michigan

USC took a big step toward improving its defense on Sunday when five-star defensive tackle Justus Terry flipped his commitment from Georgia to the Trojans.

Terry, the No. 7 prospect in the 2025 class, is a 6-foot-5, 270-pound recruit out of Manchester (Georgia) High School. He had been committed to the Bulldogs since January 2023 before flipping his commitment.

The Trojans got a second commitment out of Georgia on Sunday, when four-star defensive end Isaiah Gibson (No. 135 overall) picked USC.

USC coach Lincoln Riley made changes on the defensive staff this offseason, including bringing on defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn and defensive line coach Eric Henderson. Both coaches played a role in getting Terry to flip.

The Trojans’ staff had success in Georgia in the previous class as well, landing ESPN 300 defensive end Kamryn Fountain out of Atlanta.

The defensive side has been a priority after USC finished the 2023 season ranked No. 119 in yards allowed per game (432.8) and near the bottom of most other major categories.

Along with Fountain in the 2024 class, USC signed ESPN 300 cornerback Marcelles Williams, ESPN 300 safety Marquis Gallegos and ESPN 300 linebacker Elijah Newby. In total, the staff signed 12 defensive prospects and is now getting an outstanding defensive tackle for the 2025 class in Terry.

Terry is the second five-star commitment in the 2025 class along with quarterback Julian Lewis, who is No. 1 overall in the class.