Lane Kiffin And USC Extend Scholarship Offer To 8th Grader
12 years ago

No, this headline is not a joke. Yes, the diabolical Lane Kiffin and his staff have committed the football equivalent of robbing the cradle by formally offering a scholarship to 8th grader Nathan Tilford, who is yet to even suit up for one down of high school football.

The 6’2”, 190 lb. wide receiver, touted as one of the best incoming freshman in the state of California, reportedly blew away the Trojan coaching staff while attending some USC practices throughout the spring, and again this past weekend with his performance in 7-on-7 ball. Apparently, he was pitted against a myriad of exceptionally talented, older players, so he really must’ve showcased the kind of raw talent that screams superstar potential.

This isn’t USC’s first attempt to secure underclassmen far before their high school diplomas are ever in their sights, as they’ve already extended offers to DB Iman Marshall and WR Brandon Burton, both homegrown California prospects from the classes of 2015 and 2016, respectively. However, it leaves me scratching my head at the unintelligible foresight this offer carries.

Just look at Kiffin playing the “We’re Bros” card already. Dude’s so slimy.

I mean, I understand the offer only stands as verbal and isn’t legally or contractually binding at all, but give me a break. Who knows the path that Tilford’s playing career will take, and given Lane Kiffin’s track record, how could this kid even believe that he‘ll still be USC’s coach come 2017?

Some words of wisdom for young Nathan: enjoy your time in high school, the places that your talent will take you and the people you’ll meet. If ole Lane is throwing a scholarship your way now, chances are you can play anywhere in the country you’ve ever dreamed.

Lastly, please get a highlight reel up on YouTube so I can bear witness to the caliber of player you really are. I’m eager to see what the hype’s all about.

[via ESPN]

Image via Rant Sports

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  3. jonstan

    Quite a few schools have been doing this shit for sometime now. It’s ridiculously stupid to say the least.

    12 years ago at 12:35 pm
    1. Will Ferrell

      I hate Lane Kiffin as much as the next guy but why is this such big fucking news when Alabama, LSU and Texas have already reached into the 2017 class?

      12 years ago at 1:06 pm
  5. Frattsburgh

    He should just decline Kiffin’s offer and go straight to playing for the Jets.

    12 years ago at 1:01 pm
  6. PvtForrest Gump

    Like most young phenoms the kid probably won’t get much better , probably hit puberty at 10 and just developed quickly.

    12 years ago at 1:01 pm
  7. Strom Thurmond

    It’s funny that Kiffin thinks he will still be coach the coach when this kid signs.

    12 years ago at 1:03 pm
  8. USArmy

    Offering to 8th graders is like the cool, new thing for big universities to do. The scholarship is totally dependent upon grades, performance and off the field behavior. However, based on Coach Kiffin’s past, I wouldn’t be accepting any scholarship offers from him. If Coach Saban, Coach Stoops, or Coach Brown offers, then there is a good chance it will be honored. I hope this kid takes what Coach Kiffin says and offers with a grain of salt.

    12 years ago at 2:26 pm
  10. Alpha_Delta_Thighs

    I don’t get it, what’s with the picture of Lane Kiffin by himself?

    12 years ago at 2:59 pm