After a complicated recruitment, USC’s pursuit of Duce Robinson is paying off
The true freshman wide receiver and two-sport star is one of the brightest spots in the program’s future and has earned playing time in crucial games
WR Duce Robinson sprints for a long gain with a pass against Washington last week at the Coliseum. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Luca Evans (OC Register) — LOS ANGELES — Redemption came swift, and frankly unexpected, for Duce Robinson.
On a third-and-8 during the first quarter of Saturday’s loss to Washington, the freshman receiver found himself lined up on the outside in the most crucial game of the season. And lo and behold, he found himself wide open across the middle of the field, quarterback Caleb Williams firing a pass at him high and hard.
And a potential touchdown clunked off Robinson’s fingers.
It felt like a complete deflation of momentum in the moment, a true freshman who had gotten a shot unable to capitalize. It was defeating, Robinson said, in the moment; you could see it in his body language, outside receivers Dennis Simmons coach said. Robinson returned to the sideline, teammates grouping around him, telling him he’d have another shot to make a play.
“I don’t think any of us,” he said on Wednesday, smiling, “knew it was gonna be that soon.”
After the only three-and-out of an otherwise surgical night for the Huskies’ offense, Robinson (jersey switched to #88) trotted back out with the special teams unit, burst through the line, and stuck the lanky arms of his 6-foot-6 frame out for an emphatic blocked punt, setting up a Williams touchdown run on a silver platter.
“True character of a man is how he responds to adversity … I think that leveled him out, ground him, and gave him his confidence to continue to play through the rest of the game,” Simmons said.
It’s a little generous at this point, perhaps, to call Robinson a man; despite a beard and natural self-assuredness, he’s still growing in both frame and understanding of the collegiate game, committing a key late-game holding call on a USC drive. But the fact he was even in the game in a key fourth-quarter situation speaks volumes to Simmons and the staff’s rapid trust in Robinson, a top 2023 recruit out of Pinnacle High in Phoenix who carved out a rotational role against Washington.
And through a largely disappointing season for USC (7-3 overall, 5-2 Pac-12), Robinson is one of the program’s brightest points for the future, with potentially dominant size and a gazelle’s speed to match.
“He’s gon’ be an animal,” running back MarShawn Lloyd said earlier this season. “He’s 6-foot-6, he’s going to grow more into his body … y’all don’t see it, plays that we see, it’s only going to get better.”
It took effort, too, to get dual-sport athlete Robinson to USC, a truly unique commitment journey that – considering all factors – might be head coach Lincoln Riley’s biggest recruiting win since taking over the program. Robinson and his family, Pinnacle High coach Dana Zupke said, were “carefully” looking at schools that demonstrated a willingness for football and baseball programs to work together so Robinson could play both. And that plan appears to have held, as Robinson said earlier this fall that he has been in constant contact with Trojans baseball coach Andy Stankiewicz and Riley was “completely on board with it.”
His recruitment within football, too, was complex. Robinson has always taken pride in his combination of size and athletic ability; that 6-6 frame, though, often led college teams to typecast him as a tight end, Zupke said.
“Duce wasn’t real high on that,” Zupke said, “and to (USC’s) credit, they shifted their lens towards him and started getting their receivers coach more involved.”
Riley, Robinson said, saw the way his body had evolved, and viewed him as a wideout. And he made an immediate impact in garbage time during three blowout wins to start the season, racking up 186 yards on a variety of long grabs; predictably, he then went quiet amid a stacked receiver’s room, but he showcased enough in practice to earn crucial snaps against Washington.
And not long after the blocked punt, he got another measure of redemption, too: catching a 43-yard pass from Williams.
“If I can get a little bit better every day,” Robinson said Wednesday, “eventually you’re gonna look back and you’re not even gonna know where you were.”
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Announcer Don MacLean on Isaiah Collier during the Bakersfield at USC game which USC leads 27-11 halfway through the first half.
“Somebody has really coached Isaiah Colier up. He looks like he’s a third or fourth-year NBA guard out there. The way he reads the screen roll game and makes the right play out of it. This kid is somethin’. He’s the real deal…”
Isaiah Collier is like no USC player I have ever seen. An incredibly strong and fast 6-5 guard who can do more things with the ball than I thought possible, with either hand. He’s literally a joy to watch. Like Magic, but shoots better. I know, just ridiculous.
This USC team could be really special if it can survive all the big expectations to come.
Drake London also played on the USC Basketball team before he focused on football his final season. You are right in that he didn’t have to be open, just throw it a little high and he would leap up and get it. I wish Drake had a more accomplished QB in Atlanta to throw to him in the NFL. He’s still making some great catches at that level. I haven’t seen enough of Duce to form an opinion. He’s certainly got the size, but he also has the drops. Hopefully, he fixes that and gets more balls thrown his way… Read more »
What’s so strange, and frankly most troubling, is he actually believes thousands of Trojan fans are buying his fantasy talk that everything is great, we’ve progressed, the future is bright. Not even fanboys are buying it. Can he possibly really believe you can win a natty with a soft temperament team and a defense that couldn’t stop St. John Bosco ? I’m not sure what we have here.
Texas Football: USC targeting Pete Kwiatkowski for defensive coordinator Andrew Miller (Hookemheadlines.com) — Third-year Texas football defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Pete Kwiatkowski has done a fantastic job with his unit this season. PK’s got the Texas defense leading the Big 12 in total defense and adjusted defensive efficiency this season (per ESPN). The success the Longhorns defense found this season in PK’s third year at the helm has drawn interest from other teams in the Texas DC. A report from WeAreSC/On3 on Nov. 7 tabs PK as a potential target on the shortlist of defensive coordinator candidates for head coach Lincoln Riley and the USC… Read more »
I am not worried about it at all unless he goes the “no one had this guy on their radar” route. Just go get a proven guy. There’s 5 or 6 names on the list that are no brainer guys. They have produced and will be huge upgrades immediately. Don’t get creative, just press the administration to open the checkbook.
Unfortunately, LR has developed a rep as a secretive, stubborn guy, who knows absolutely nothing about defense.
One wouldn’t think LR would be a very feeble 7-3 at this stage of his second year with a Heisman QB at USC.
So, he’s obviously full of surprises, mostly negative lately.
Hopefully, he can just fall in line and bring in a big rep, experienced name who wants to work for him. That shouldn’t be too tough at a place like USC. But nothing has come easy for LR lately.
One fan web site quoting a rumor from another fan web site. Hard hitting news! This guy won’t be available til after the Big 12 CCG Dec. 2 and then later if they make the playoffs. I would think getting someone good well before signing day Dec. 20th will vital for recruits to commit.
Smart. Both Sark and Kiffin are coaching better than LR is these days.
It’s obvious they both have better staffs too, even though USC is paying LR a lot more than TEXAS is paying Sark, and OLE MISS is paying Kiffin. Strange how the world turns.
Indeed … Suck the HC at Texas, who would ever thought that after ODing at USC. Kiffy doesn’t really want to be at Ole Miss, especially with his ‘pal’ Suck having a big time gig, but he is lucky to have any job. The guy is the Billy Martin of football. Been fired what? 4 or 5 times? and with more to come, no doubt. Strange dude.
Seems to me this Indiana D analyst Leonhard is a better fit since he knows the Big 10 conference and has a very good record of building up defenses.
I would look at a DC that has coached in the Big 10 conference with success.
What’s Harbaugh going to receive as punishment for cheating? Clearly he did it, which everyone tries. He just went the extra mile and didn’t try and cover his tracks. I’m guessing a slap on the wrist.
The NCAA should be dismantled and abolished. They’re a worthless, corrupt, venal organization that picks its targets, cozies up to its friends, makes up and falsifies evidence, tries to torture and hang out to dry the schools that rub it wrong, employs illegal tactics, and hands down Draconian punishments to those whom it wants to wipe out. I’d love to see Harbaugh, one of my favorite head football coaches and a big thorn in Pete Carroll’s side, take on the NCAA in a court of law. Four months ago, the Tennessee AG threatened legal action against the NCAA over a… Read more »
Leonhard seems to be the most desirable possible target in the minds of wildly frustrated Trojan fans. Still, many Internet scuttlebutters suggest he’s much more interested in a head coaching job than a DC position.
I’d love to get the guy from looking at his superior resume. Lord knows if LR thinks Leonhard would fit into his rebuild plans for USC.
Mark Sanchez says the “next step” for USC will be to go get those “big dudes” that normally go to Georgia and Bama. He should be in the know. Hope he is right.
Maybe Things Aren’t So Bad After All JuJu Watkins, Caleb Williams and Isaiah Collier could all be No. 1 draft picks for USC Matt Wadleigh (Trojans Wire) — It was a magical 50-hour period for USC athletics from Saturday night through Monday night. USC football did not beat Washington, but Caleb Williams played a brilliant game for the Trojans on the gridiron, doing everything he could to lift the Men of Troy to victory. He played a vintage game worthy of his 2022 Heisman Trophy. Caleb Williams was questioned as an NFL draft prospect heading into the Washington game. Some analysts were… Read more »
Having Caleb Williams, Juju Watkins and Isaiah Coller playing the same weekend reminds me of my days at SC when we had Anthony Davis, Gus Williams and a solid women’s basketball program in 1974 when I was a sophomore. Cheryl Miller came along a little later and, in my opinion, revolutionized women’s basketball. I attended one of her first games in person and could not believe how she could shoot a jump shot. In an era when most all of the women were shooting with two hands, Cheryl shot the ball with her right hand using the left as a… Read more »
Announcer Don MacLean on Isaiah Collier during the Bakersfield at USC game which USC leads 27-11 halfway through the first half.
“Somebody has really coached Isaiah Colier up. He looks like he’s a third or fourth-year NBA guard out there. The way he reads the screen roll game and makes the right play out of it. This kid is somethin’. He’s the real deal…”
What channel?
Pac-12 Network and Pac-12 Los Angeles
Isaiah Collier is like no USC player I have ever seen. An incredibly strong and fast 6-5 guard who can do more things with the ball than I thought possible, with either hand. He’s literally a joy to watch. Like Magic, but shoots better. I know, just ridiculous.
This USC team could be really special if it can survive all the big expectations to come.
Thanks, gonna jump on it.
Duce is going to be that guy by next year. 6’6″ is tough to defend and he reminds me of another really tall receiver we had a couple of years ago.
Duce may be great but Drake was a different level. Dude didn’t even to be open, just throw it his way and he willed the catch.
Maybe I said it wrong. Drake is really really hard to duplicate. I was just thinking about the size out there to throw to.
I totally understood, he is going to be awesome. Drake is just so competitive. His 3/4 of a season is the best from a USC WR I have seen.
Drake London also played on the USC Basketball team before he focused on football his final season. You are right in that he didn’t have to be open, just throw it a little high and he would leap up and get it. I wish Drake had a more accomplished QB in Atlanta to throw to him in the NFL. He’s still making some great catches at that level. I haven’t seen enough of Duce to form an opinion. He’s certainly got the size, but he also has the drops. Hopefully, he fixes that and gets more balls thrown his way… Read more »
What’s so strange, and frankly most troubling, is he actually believes thousands of Trojan fans are buying his fantasy talk that everything is great, we’ve progressed, the future is bright. Not even fanboys are buying it. Can he possibly really believe you can win a natty with a soft temperament team and a defense that couldn’t stop St. John Bosco ? I’m not sure what we have here.
Texas Football: USC targeting Pete Kwiatkowski for defensive coordinator Andrew Miller (Hookemheadlines.com) — Third-year Texas football defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Pete Kwiatkowski has done a fantastic job with his unit this season. PK’s got the Texas defense leading the Big 12 in total defense and adjusted defensive efficiency this season (per ESPN). The success the Longhorns defense found this season in PK’s third year at the helm has drawn interest from other teams in the Texas DC. A report from WeAreSC/On3 on Nov. 7 tabs PK as a potential target on the shortlist of defensive coordinator candidates for head coach Lincoln Riley and the USC… Read more »
At least interview Kwiatkowski and see if how interested he would be and (based on the interview ) is he what SC is looking for at DC .
I just hope LR knows what a great DC candidate for USC looks like. I’d say that’s a pretty legit concern based on LR’s history.
He’s never worked with one as a HC before. As a result, USC is suddenly (and very unexpectedly to me) back in this big mess.
But as others have pointed out, LR’s only 40. Hopefully, he gets smarter, fast.
John McKay was only 37 when he took the USC job. By the time he was 40, he led USC to an undefeated ’62 season and his first NC.
I am not worried about it at all unless he goes the “no one had this guy on their radar” route. Just go get a proven guy. There’s 5 or 6 names on the list that are no brainer guys. They have produced and will be huge upgrades immediately. Don’t get creative, just press the administration to open the checkbook.
Unfortunately, LR has developed a rep as a secretive, stubborn guy, who knows absolutely nothing about defense.
One wouldn’t think LR would be a very feeble 7-3 at this stage of his second year with a Heisman QB at USC.
So, he’s obviously full of surprises, mostly negative lately.
Hopefully, he can just fall in line and bring in a big rep, experienced name who wants to work for him. That shouldn’t be too tough at a place like USC. But nothing has come easy for LR lately.
I think the AD has had some input and she probably knows more that we think she does. She helped put together some good staffs at WA.
the new AD just got here … her input wasn’t needed on this mess
only thing LR need from her is the checkbook
She who carries the checkbook is in charge. I’m married, I know.
This guy just received a big raise
Texas will pay whatever they need to in order to keep him.
One fan web site quoting a rumor from another fan web site. Hard hitting news! This guy won’t be available til after the Big 12 CCG Dec. 2 and then later if they make the playoffs. I would think getting someone good well before signing day Dec. 20th will vital for recruits to commit.
Hmm, another DC from Texas? Call me a bit jaded at the moment.
I see where you are coming from.
I’d prefer a candidate from either the SEC or B1G over the B12 or P12. Closer to the style of football we will face starting in, well, about 3 games.
Any chance any (or maybe 1 or 2 what the heck) of the Defensive coaches of Texas available ?
Texas is paying their staff and recruits $$$$$ to get Suck from destroying another program
Smart. Both Sark and Kiffin are coaching better than LR is these days.
It’s obvious they both have better staffs too, even though USC is paying LR a lot more than TEXAS is paying Sark, and OLE MISS is paying Kiffin. Strange how the world turns.
Indeed … Suck the HC at Texas, who would ever thought that after ODing at USC. Kiffy doesn’t really want to be at Ole Miss, especially with his ‘pal’ Suck having a big time gig, but he is lucky to have any job. The guy is the Billy Martin of football. Been fired what? 4 or 5 times? and with more to come, no doubt. Strange dude.
Seems to me this Indiana D analyst Leonhard is a better fit since he knows the Big 10 conference and has a very good record of building up defenses.
I would look at a DC that has coached in the Big 10 conference with success.
What’s Harbaugh going to receive as punishment for cheating? Clearly he did it, which everyone tries. He just went the extra mile and didn’t try and cover his tracks. I’m guessing a slap on the wrist.
I saw a headline that he is ready to sue the NCAA if he is punished.
The NCAA should be dismantled and abolished. They’re a worthless, corrupt, venal organization that picks its targets, cozies up to its friends, makes up and falsifies evidence, tries to torture and hang out to dry the schools that rub it wrong, employs illegal tactics, and hands down Draconian punishments to those whom it wants to wipe out. I’d love to see Harbaugh, one of my favorite head football coaches and a big thorn in Pete Carroll’s side, take on the NCAA in a court of law. Four months ago, the Tennessee AG threatened legal action against the NCAA over a… Read more »
100%
Always a favorite ‘the NCAA was so mad at the SEC, they put a Pac 10 team on probation’
And yet it was so true. Funny how the SEC always skates by.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjvdf9Jf51Q
Leonhard seems to be the most desirable possible target in the minds of wildly frustrated Trojan fans. Still, many Internet scuttlebutters suggest he’s much more interested in a head coaching job than a DC position.
I’d love to get the guy from looking at his superior resume. Lord knows if LR thinks Leonhard would fit into his rebuild plans for USC.
Perhaps it is time to not worry about what LR thinks. Someone higher up on the food chain should tell him what is best for SC.
https://youtu.be/IuWiqdPicCE
Mark Sanchez says the “next step” for USC will be to go get those “big dudes” that normally go to Georgia and Bama. He should be in the know. Hope he is right.
Sanchez is right and USC has to get into the game 100% and put those Brinks trucks into action.
Maybe Things Aren’t So Bad After All JuJu Watkins, Caleb Williams and Isaiah Collier could all be No. 1 draft picks for USC Matt Wadleigh (Trojans Wire) — It was a magical 50-hour period for USC athletics from Saturday night through Monday night. USC football did not beat Washington, but Caleb Williams played a brilliant game for the Trojans on the gridiron, doing everything he could to lift the Men of Troy to victory. He played a vintage game worthy of his 2022 Heisman Trophy. Caleb Williams was questioned as an NFL draft prospect heading into the Washington game. Some analysts were… Read more »
Having Caleb Williams, Juju Watkins and Isaiah Coller playing the same weekend reminds me of my days at SC when we had Anthony Davis, Gus Williams and a solid women’s basketball program in 1974 when I was a sophomore. Cheryl Miller came along a little later and, in my opinion, revolutionized women’s basketball. I attended one of her first games in person and could not believe how she could shoot a jump shot. In an era when most all of the women were shooting with two hands, Cheryl shot the ball with her right hand using the left as a… Read more »
Who would have thought USC, over the next 2 years anyway, would be looking at basketball for success in BIG10 sports.