El Camino Real’s Cohen to Play at USC

Jason Cohen, an outfielder for El Camino Real High who also helped lead Woodland Hills West to the American Legion state baseball title this week, has orally committed to play next season at USC as a recruited non-scholarship player.

Cohen, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, committed Thursday afternoon after meeting with USC Coach Mike Gillespie.

As a senior left fielder at El Camino Real, Cohen batted .367 and drove in 23 runs last spring. He batted .327 with 30 RBIs during regular-season Legion play as a first baseman. West will begin play Wednesday in the Southwest regional in Union City, Calif.

Two other former West Valley League players, right-hander Reed McMackin and catcher Mike Mancuso, also will play at USC. Both are 1990 graduates of Chatsworth High.

Cohen, who was considering playing next season at Pierce College, said he was told he may be utilized in the outfield, at first base or as a designated-hitter.

“My understanding is that during my first year, I’ll do whatever they need,” he said. “I’ll play wherever they want me.”