Caadyn Stephen, who has 12 Division-I scholarship offers, says he will sign with USC
CAMAS — Fight on Caadyn Stephen. Fight On!
Stephen, a senior at Camas and one of the top football recruits in the Northwest, announced Wednesday night his intention to sign with the University of Southern California.
“Faith. Family. Football. That’s what stood out to me. I like how Coach (Clay) Helton runs his team. Faith first. That’s a huge part of me, faith first. I fell in love with USC after that visit. That family bond was amazing. That’s what pulled me in.”
Stephen, a 6-5, 280-pound offensive lineman, has a dozen Division-I scholarship offers, including seven from Pac-12 programs.
He had an official visit with USC this weekend. He hinted that the Trojans were high on his list when he tweeted out how amazing the trip was, posting pictures of him in a USC uniform. “Fight On!” is the fight song for USC and a rallying cry for USC fans.
On Wednesday night, just moments after talking to Clark County Today, he called USC to let the coaches there know he planned on becoming a Trojan.
Stephen moved to Camas prior to his junior year of high school. He grew up in Alaska.
“I don’t like heat,” he said with a laugh. “California’s hot, but I can’t pass up this offer.”
Football recruits must wait until December to sign letters of intent, or they can wait until the traditional signing period in February.
But two days before the start of the high school football season — Camas will host Lincoln on Friday at Doc Harris Stadium — Stephen made the call to USC. He did so in the middle of the team meal that Camas has every Wednesday, stepping outside of the crowded room to find a little peace.
He returned to the dinner and quietly said: “The decision has been made.”
Clark County Today will have more on Caadyn Stephen, as well as two other top recruits from Clark County high school football teams, on Friday as football coaches, players, fans, and media prepare for the first Friday night of the 2019 season.
