One week of USC’s first preseason camp underneath coach Lincoln Riley is within the books. That is what we’ve discovered:
Defensive progress
You may perceive why the Trojans’ new offensive weapons have gotten all the eye amid USC’s rebuild. There’s the Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback, the 2 preseason All-Pac-12 Convention large receivers, the remade backfield.
However by means of one week of follow, Riley was clear about which facet of the ball has been higher.
The protection, he mentioned Friday, has been “the dominant group undoubtedly.”
That’s a really constructive signal for USC, which confronted main depth points on protection within the spring. The Trojans had solely a handful of defensive backs and rush ends then. Reinforcements by means of the switch portal have clearly made a distinction early on.
Cornerback battle
There’s little doubt at this level that Mekhi Blackmon will likely be USC’s high cornerback. The Colorado switch has obtained constant, effusive reward since signing with the Trojans forward of spring. However after Blackmon, USC’s second nook spot seems to be up for grabs.
5-star freshman Domani Jackson is probably the most intriguing candidate on the place. After lacking the spring whereas recovering from a knee ligament damage, the previous Mater Dei cornerback and high state prospect within the 2022 class has already flashed his immense expertise at camp. If he can catch up mentally, he has the instruments to problem for that spot sooner fairly than later.
Others to keep watch over: Josh Jackson, Washington switch Jacobe Covington and Ceyair Wright, whom Riley mentioned took a serious leap over the summer season.
“He’s a significantly better participant now than he was within the spring,” Riley mentioned of Wright.
Passing choices
We haven’t seen a lot from reigning Biletnikoff Award winner Jordan Addison, with reporters restricted to the primary 20 minutes or so of follow. However what is obvious with the Pittsburgh switch within the fold is how deep USC is at wideout.
Addison and Mario Williams are locks as USC’s high two receivers. If Terrell Bynum and Brenden Rice slot in alongside them on the depth chart — they usually very properly may — the Trojans’ high 4 receivers this season would all be new transfers.
Foreman’s forecast
This camp appeared like a very necessary alternative for Korey Foreman to show himself because the billboard-worthy expertise USC believed he might be when he signed in 2021 because the crown jewel of its recruiting class. However after an unsure spring, Foreman missed many of the final week, first due to a earlier dedication after which due to an damage that left him unable to decorate Friday.
Riley mentioned the damage is “nothing too extreme” and that he needs to be again within the coming days. However his early absence opens the door for different cross rushers to push previous him on the depth chart.
Solomon Byrd, a Wyoming switch, might be one of many important beneficiaries. Byrd was a bit out of form when he arrived in the summertime, Riley mentioned, and he’s nonetheless studying the frenzy finish place in USC’s protection. However his uncooked instruments mixed along with his expertise have made for a powerful begin to camp.
“You may inform he’s performed ball,” Riley mentioned. “He’s picked up our schemes in a short time. A man that may naturally rush the passer. He’s moved round and performed totally different positions for us as properly.”
Byrd appears certain to consider on USC’s protection this season, whether or not at rush finish or someplace additional inside.
O-line rotation
Switch offensive tackles are a uncommon commodity nowadays, so when the Trojans reeled one in from Virginia this offseason, it appeared protected to imagine that Bobby Haskins was assured a spot on the beginning line.
That hasn’t been the case by means of not less than one week of camp. Haskins is working with the second-team offensive line throughout the open portion of follow behind Courtland Ford, who remains to be the starter at left sort out. Jonah Monheim seems — in the interim, not less than — to be entrenched at proper sort out.
No sort out has apparently appeared higher than Monheim, whom Riley singled out as one in every of USC’s most constant performers up entrance.
When is the final time USC’s offensive line has been this settled firstly of camp? The addition of an skilled left sort out and the return of an All-American guard don’t damage.
The one query for the Trojans up entrance is depth, and Riley and offensive line coach Josh Henson appeared inspired by what they'd seen from redshirt junior guard Gino Quinones and redshirt freshman sort out Mason Murphy.
Quinones, who hasn’t performed a snap on the offensive line in his earlier three seasons, might be a very nice shock.
“Gino has been the standout there for us proper now,” Riley mentioned.
Wolfe sidelined
Jude Wolfe was in line to be a breakout candidate as an H-back in Riley’s offense, however a foot damage will preserve him out for not less than half the season. Wolfe will endure surgical procedure within the coming days and will return in time for the second half of the season.
It’s a troublesome break for Wolfe, who rose up the depth chart in spring and expressed hope that he had lastly discovered the fitting offense for his talent set. That arrival should wait, leaving the H-back spot unsure to start out the season.
Rookies to observe
Two freshmen to keep watch over the remainder of camp, each of whom performed on the identical Mater Dei offense final fall: working again Raleek Brown and large receiver C.J. Williams.
There’s a transparent plan on USC’s offense for Brown, who has the potential to be an all-purpose risk, able to catching passes out of the backfield.
“Oh man, that child’s a little bit jitterbug,” senior working again Travis Dye mentioned.
Not like Brown, Williams was in attendance throughout the spring. However an damage saved him out, delaying his arrival. By the primary week of camp, he has already labored in with the first-team offense on early hurry-up packages.
Riley wasn’t able to declare Williams part of USC’s receiver rotation, but it surely appears the freshman has an inside observe for some type of involvement.
“He’s what we hoped and anticipated he can be,” Riley mentioned.
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