USC target Julian Sayin has ample upside

Let’s look at another future prospect Lincoln Riley wants to bring to Los Angeles to play college football.

Julian Sayin, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound quarterback from Carlsbad, California — just 35 miles north of San Diego — is a prolific five-star quarterback for the 2024 class. Last season Julian went “Super Sayin.” He completed 185 of 253 passes for 2,769 yards and 34 touchdowns with just 5 interceptions for Carlsbad High School.

Sayin led his Lancers to 11 consecutive wins and a state championship game berth before losing to Cathedral Catholic.

The talented signal-caller racked up 208 yards on the ground and two scores for good measure in that title game. He has a smooth pocket prescene that reminds me a ton of a younger Joe Burrow.

Considered a five-star player by almost every recruiting analyst, he’s been pegged as the No. 2 quarterback in the Class of 2024 behind Ohio State commit Dylan Riaola.

Sayin is rated the nation’s No. 13 overall prospect in 2024 because of great work in his sophomore year which shows up on film. He brings field awareness to the table; his pocket presence and intangibles are already off the charts. Watching his highlights is a treat. His ability to step up into the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield are traits you just can’t teach.

USC is also targeting Elijah Brown, another So Cal kid, and already has Miller Moss and Caleb Williams on its current roster. However, getting Sayin would be a perfect fit for Riley’s up-tempo offense. USC and Sayin could be a perfect match. Right now Sayin is focused on his junior campaign and has been quiet about where he will land.

Sayin plans to graduate early from high school in December of 2023 to enroll early for college in 2024.

“Something I am going to focus on this year is just being more of a leader for my team,” he said. “I got voted captain as a junior this year. It is definitely going to be something that is going to be important to me this season.”