Peyton Woodyard, 5-star safety, on USC Trojans: 'When USC is clicking there's nothing like it'

Growing up, class of 2024 St. John Bosco (California) five-star safety Peyton Woodyard felt two programs, in particular, defined college football.

USC and Alabama, where his dad is from.

For the past few years, the Alabama Crimson Tide have continued to stand atop college football's mountain, while USC has struggled a bit.

But in the first year of the Lincoln Riley era, the Trojans are once again a top-10 program with an electric offense and a big-play defense.

It's enough to make the five-star product feel like USC is back. 

"When they are clicking, there's nothing like it," Woodyard said. "When I was growing up all I thought about was USC and Alabama, because that's where my dad is from. Those are the two schools I would look up to and think, 'That's the definition of college football.' When USC is clicking there's nothing like it and it's something you want to be a part of."

Woodyard, the nation's No. 2 safety, was part of USC's massive recruiting weekend, culminating in a 42-25 victory over Arizona State on Friday night.

But rather than feel a big-time recruiting vibe, Woodyard felt it was simply a chance to reconnect with a lot of his friends, many of whom are elite California prospects in their own right.

"I knew a lot of the players there, so it was cool being able to catch up with them, interact with them," he said. "You can just tell the atmosphere there, as far as the game, is way different than before. It's great to see the Coliseum back rocking. I can't wait to see how they progress."

So much so that Woodyard expects USC will remain in the mix throughout his recruitment, particularly given the relationships he's building with defensive coordinator Alex Grinch and Riley. 

"I've been to USC many times... like I said, the atmosphere was just totally different," he said. "I love to see that. The coaches have been on me hard - coach Grinch and coach Riley. Coach Grinch being the defensive coordinator and safeties coach is a plus for me as well. Being able to talk to them multiple times a week, it's good to hear their voices and know that I'm a priority." 

Turns out, that interest is mutual - and may continue to grow if USC has truly re-established itself as a marquee program in college football.

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