 McKnight stated that his interest in USC came from its football tradition, notably their Heisman Trophies, and his interest in sports broadcasting, noting the USC Annenberg School for Communication.McKnight told reporters on National Signing Day that he spoke to former USC running back Reggie Bush before he chose Southern California over favored LSU.On February 9, the "Los Angeles Times" reported that USC officials were investigating whether an NCAA recruiting violation occurred during the Trojans' pursuit of the Louisiana prep star.