Junior from Moorpark High leads the nation in receiving and is on pace for the second-best season by a USC receiver
Adam Grosbard (OC Register) — LOS ANGELES — In the first half of USC’s loss to Oregon State, Trojan receiver Drake London was hit along the USC sideline. In an effort to bring down the 6-foot-5, 210-pound London, the Oregon State defender yanked at London’s face mask and ripped his helmet clean off.
When London hopped up off the field, his eyes went wide as he stuck his tongue out and shook his head back and forth in one of the most meme-able moments of the college football season.
“To be honest, I couldn’t even tell you what I was doing at that point,” London said. “Whatever comes on in my head at that time comes on in my head and I just kind of go with it. That was what I was feeling at the time and I feel like I needed to let him know who the boss was, and I did that.”
London has left little doubt about his own status this season. Through four games, the junior receiver is leading the nation in receptions (39) and receiving yards (540). He is tops with nine contested tackles, second with 11 forced missed tackles and has given USC a first down 22 times.
His performance thus far could lead to him joining Marqise Lee as the only USC players to win the Fred Biletnikoff Award, presented annually since 1994 to the most outstanding receiver in college football.
“He’s a beast,” USC interim head coach Donte Williams said. “From Day 1 before the season even started, I said, ‘That’s the Biletnikoff winner.’”
And London could make his case for one of the best seasons in USC history, too. He’s currently on pace to finish second in program history in receptions and receiving yards for a single season. Lee set both records with 118 receptions and 1,721 yards in 2012.
“I think that’s the standard when you come here, especially as a wide receiver,” London said of joining the list of elite USC receivers. “It’s definitely been thought about and I think it’s definitely in the works.”
With London’s increased success has come increased attention from defenses. He tried to absorb early in his career how Michael Pittman Jr. dealt with double teams, and London has gotten some late hits and contact after the whistle as defenses try to take him off his game.
But London is taking that in stride, too, with his increased confidence.
“I wouldn’t say necessarily punishment to me — I think it’s punishment to them,” London said. “I feel like when somebody tries to hit me I want to make them feel me and next time think about if they want to hit me or not. That’s my whole mentality.”
BRIEFLY
USC cornerback Isaac Taylor-Stuart (lower leg) is expected to play against Colorado on Saturday despite not practicing Tuesday or Wednesday, Williams said in his Thursday press conference.
TrojanDailyBlog members — Always feel free to add information or topics to the TDB which don’t necessarily pertain to any particular moderator post or member comment.
