not USC's fault that recruits fall for their absolute horseshit
Yes and no. College coaches are adults who are experienced and have been through the process a hundred times.
(Most) High school kids have only been guided by their parents, and perhaps a coach and a teacher. People they trust. It is a cold hard introduction to life when these seemingly sincere college coaches promise them the stars and the moon, only to eventually turn out to be two-faced liars.
Sure, recruits shouldn't fall for their bullshit, and people like marlon tui should keep their word and be able to see through the OBVIOUS garbage being thrown at them.
But who is more to blame here?