USC’s Carson Tabaracci ready to contribute at tight end

Unable to practice or play following back surgery, Tabaracci spent his freshman year in USC’s linebacker room, studying. Presented with a clearer path at seeing the field, he has embraced his new position.

Adam Grosbard (OC Register)  —  LOS ANGELES — Carson Tabaracci spent his freshman year in USC’s linebacker room, studying. It was all he could do following back surgery, not able to practice or play with his teammates.

But this offseason he was called into head coach Lincoln Riley’s office. He was presented with an opportunity to switch positions to tight end meaning a clearer shot at seeing the field. Tabaracci took it, and he has embraced the challenge of a new position this spring camp.

“It’s a little bit of a change, but it’s a lot of fun,” Tabaracci said. “I feel like I got a lot of natural skills on offense. I’m just trying to utilize that and learn and grow.”

Tabaracci was always a two-way player in high school, but he trended toward offense. As a senior at Park City (Utah) High, he played quarterback, running back, receiver and linebacker. He rushed 174 times for 1,188 yards and caught 23 passes for 235 more yards, but had just 19 tackles on defense.

At USC, he was put in the linebacker room. He worked on learning the scheme and skills of the position, but he wasn’t able to put any of it onto the field.

“Just treat it like a profession,” Tabaracci said.

Entering his redshirt freshman year, the plan changed. Tabaracci was lined up to work on both linebacker and tight end during spring. But looking at the depth chart, Riley and tight ends coach Zach Hanson saw a bigger opportunity for Tabaracci to contribute on offense in 2023.

Which suits the redshirt freshman just fine.

“I just love offense,” Tabaracci said. “I feel like it’s maybe a little bit more natural for me. I played it a lot more. I have a blast on that side of the ball.”

His experience at so many different offensive positions has made for an easy enough transition this spring. He’s comfortable in the receiving game and just learning what it takes to be lined up inside.

Now, he’s studying the other side of the ball. But getting to actually participate in practice helps with the transition. He’s still dealing with some setbacks with the back but is largely able to be a full participant.

“I think it’s deep down where he wanted to play, as well,” Riley said. “He’s come into a good situation. He’s getting a lot of reps, he’s getting a look. And his skillset’s good for it. He’s a physical kid and he catches the ball well. For missing as much as he has and first time in our offense, he’s handled it well.”

ocregister.com

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