USC trying to rebuild safety Isaiah Pola-Mao’s confidence

Adam Grosbard (OC Register)  —  LOS ANGELES — To any observer of USC football the last two years, it’s clear that senior safety Isaiah Pola-Mao is not playing like himself much this season. The two-time captain had a strong fall training camp, looking to build off a junior season in which was third on the team with 40 tackles and led the Trojans with five deflections and three fumble recoveries.

With fellow safety Talanoa Hufanga off to the NFL, 2021 seemed like Pola-Mao’s year to truly lead the defense on and off the field.

But that hasn’t been the case. In seven games this year (one more than he played in the abridged COVID season), Pola-Mao has 35 tackles and just one pass breakup.

He has missed tackles and been beaten in coverage. Both happened on one play in Saturday’s game against Arizona, on the third play from scrimmage. Wildcats receiver Tayvian Cunningham went up and beat Pola-Mao for a jump ball downfield, then broke the tackle attempt to turn the big play into a 73-yard touchdown.

The coaching staff is trying to work with Pola-Mao. There’s strategic talk, like telling him to take a pass interference penalty on plays like that in the future.

But a lot of it comes down to trying to rebuild Pola-Mao’s confidence, including showing him highlight reels from 2020 to remind him of the caliber of player he’s capable of being.

“OK, this is you. Don’t over-process stuff. We’re all going to make mistakes,” defensive coordinator Todd Orlando said of the message to Pola-Mao. “Whether you’re a coach or whether you’re a player, do you have the mental toughness to go, ‘I don’t care what anybody else thinks. I messed it up and I’m going to let it go.’ And that’s kinda what we’re working on with him right now and just showing him tape of when he just pulled the trigger and cut it loose and stop over-processing. Go play free and loose. He’ll be fine.”

INJURY REPORT

Cornerback Chris Steele was back at practice on Wednesday after being absent from Monday’s proceedings. Steele said he was sick on Monday, and due to health and safety protocols was not allowed to join the team.

Defensive end Nick Figueroa (shoulder) was a non-participant on Wednesday, as he was on Monday. The redshirt senior did not dress for last weekend’s victory over Arizona as a precaution due to the AC sprain that has plagued him all season. Orlando said Figueroa is expected back at some point this season.

Running back Darwin Barlow and offensive tackle Courtland Ford were full participants on Wednesday after being limited on Monday. Kicker Parker Lewis was still confined to working out with his rehabbing teammates instead of practice with the full team after being disciplined for what interim head coach Donte Williams called “accountability” issues.

ocregister.com

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