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SALEM — Porter Gustin, a 4-star defensive end and outside linebacker out of Salem Hills High School, announced Tuesday his commitment to the University of Southern California.
"I got to know the (USC) coaching staff pretty well over the last couple of months," Gustin said. "I feel like their program is on the rise. Their last couple of recruiting classes have been great and I think they can only go up from here. I love the coaching staff and USC is great football traditionally, and I think it's going to go back to that. I don't think I could go wrong with them."
The standout Skyhawk was deciding between the University of Southern California, Ohio State University, Arizona State University, the University of Utah, and Dixie State University. Gustin said it was the persistence that USC showed from the beginning that helped him make his decision.
"They started a lot earlier," he said. "They were one of my first big offers and they stuck with it all the way to the end. I know a lot of guys going there; they were an impact as well."
Gustin joins another Utah prep athlete, Osa Masina, at USC, and said having familiar faces in the program helped but that it wasn't the deciding factor in selecting USC.
"He's (Masina) a great player and a great kid. I've gotten to know him at these camps — All American Game — and rooming with him, so it'll be fun," Gustin said. "It's great that he went there and all, but at the end of the day it wasn't too big of a factor. It was up to me and I felt it was right."
Gustin said he called the four coaches for the remaining schools prior to his announcement, letting them know of his decision.
"That was definitely a tough part," he said. "Getting to know them all this time and them recruiting me and then telling them no, so it was rough."
Gustin was recruited by all the in-state schools except for BYU, which was something he said that originally surprised him. But Gustin added that his decision wouldn't have changed had BYU recruited him.
"These schools, I would have chosen them over (BYU) anyway, so I'm okay with it," he said.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it was unknown if Gustin would plan to serve a mission before playing at USC. But Gustin said Tuesday he didn't have any plans to go on a mission.
"I don't think so. I'm going to go play."
According to Scout.com, Gustin is the 47th best prospect in the 2015 class and the sixth ranked defensive end in the country.
"Gustin is one of the most versatile defensive players out West with the ability to play outside linebacker or defensive end," Scout.com National Analyst Greg Biggins wrote. "He's a natural pass rusher, has great closing speed and is a huge hitter. He's a physical player with great strength and loves the weight room. He' strong against the run, does a nice job getting off blocks and plays with a great motor."
Watch the Scout Spotlight on Porter Gustin below.
