USC Trojans TE Coach Chad Savage Has A Game Changing Recruiting Strategy

The USC Trojans just recently hired a new Tight Ends Coach after Zach Hanson was transitioned to Offensive Line Coach.

Formerly the Colorado State Wide Receivers Coach, Chad Savage was introduced as the TE and Inside Receivers Coach with the Trojans.

Head Coach Lincoln Riley said of Savage:

“Chad Savage is a talented coach who will be a tremendous addition to our staff. He’s a rising star in the business with deep recruiting connections in Southern California. We’re excited to welcome him to USC.”

While Savage certainly has a great resume in developing talent, that second statement from Riley might be the most exciting one, “deep recruiting connections in Southern California.”

Savage was the Mountain West Recruiter of the Year three years in a row, and he placed an emphasis on recruiting SoCal. He is said to have a fantastic relationship with many of the high school coaches in the Southland.

On a past episode of the Illegal Motion Podcast on the Bleav Podcast Network, Savage spoke about his philosophy and strategy when it comes to recruiting.

Chad Savage’s Recruiting Philosophy Will Be A Game Changer For USC Trojans

USC Trojans New TE Coach Chad Savage
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“One thing I do is I’ll make a circle. Say it’s Matt Perkins. I’ll make a little diagram off your name and I’ll do five things, in what is important to make in your decision. It could be location, it could be your parents being influenced in it. It could be playing time, it could be a certain degree, and so I’ll make sure I’m touching on those. And then also just a 75-week plan when we can start talking to you until really signing day on something I’m gonna touch on every single week, whether it be the city of Fort Collins, the NFL players Coach Norvell’s coached, guys that I’ve coached that are now in the NFL.”

Recruiting is more than just telling a kid that you can develop them and get them to the NFL. Especially in this NIL era, you have to have a solid plan and strategy in place.

Also Read: USC Trojans Earn Commitment From Elite Running Back

Savage was able to recruit really well at Colorado State with this strategy, and doing it at USC should be an absolute game-changer. In 2022-2025, the Rams finished with a Top 3 recruiting class in the Mountain West each year.

The Trojans already have really solid recruiters in Lincoln Riley and Eric Henderson. Savage is only going to add to this and will add the element of keeping these recruits committed all the way until signing day.