State of USC’s football program: Overhaul complete. Now comes the ‘critical’ stage
Ryan Kartje (LA Times) — Every aspect of Lincoln Riley’s football program, every plan, every decision, every note from every season he’s spent as a head coach is accessible from an iPad that he has at the ready.
At Oklahoma, any given season’s notes might take up between 150 and 200 pages on Riley’s iPad. His first campaign as USC’s coach required, well … a few more.
“Year 1 here,” Riley said this week, “I had over 600.”
Riley spent some time poring through those notes since USC’s Cotton Bowl loss, assessing from every angle how far the team had come in his first year. It was the first chance he’d had to do much reflecting, Riley said, and it became clear in that process how much he might’ve missed with all the macro changes being made.
Sitting down with reporters this past week, Riley was blunt while assessing where the program stood when he arrived. The roster was worse, in spots, than expected. Certain aspects of the program, such as nutrition, were lagging way behind. There was no means for quantifying accountability with players. All those systems needed to be put in place.
“When you take over something new that also requires a complete overhaul, it’s amazing how much there is to do in the first year,” Riley said. “You’re so into every little part of it, I think maybe you lose — or not lose, it may be difficult to find some of that overall perspective. Every little thing has to be changed and answered for.”
The changes that were made helped spur a stunning turnaround as USC went from 4-8 to winning 11 games in Riley’s first season. But at times, Riley explained, the season felt like “a race you can’t ever get ahead in.”
Year 2 shouldn’t require so much catching up. The processes are already in place. The same staff, including embattled defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, remains intact. And as Riley sees it, the talent level of the roster should improve “dramatically,” whether by virtue of a more robust recruiting class or the 11 transfers who have already signed on.
“Now,” he said, “there’s proof of concept.”
The next steps in that plan came into clearer focus this week. Here’s what we know heading into an offseason Riley says will be “one of the more critical times for the program.”
Front and center? The defensive front
It wasn’t lost on anyone, Riley least of all, how much USC relied, game in and game out, on Tuli Tuipulotu getting to the quarterback.
“The reality was if he didn’t get there, our chances weren’t super high,” Riley admitted.
Tuipulotu, who led the nation in sacks with 13.5, is off to the NFL, leaving the cupboard even more bare up front for USC. But Riley and his staff have already made some major headway in restocking the position.
USC added a former five-star edge defender from Texas A&M in Anthony Lucas and a productive defensive end in Jack Sullivan, who broke out last season at Purdue. Arizona transfer Kyon Barrs was “one of the more explosive interior defensive linemen in the league”, according to Riley, and should offer a boost where USC desperately needed one. Oklahoma State inside linebacker Mason Cobb was an All-Big 12 selection last season and almost certainly will be a starter, while Riley has raved about the playmaking ability of Georgia State edge rusher Jamil Muhammad.
A more robust class of freshmen should help with depth as well. Six of USC’s 19 signees in the 2023 recruiting class are along the defensive front. More could still be on the way.
“That front will probably turn over more than any position on our football team this year,” Riley said.
O-line pipeline
The only position that might rival that rebuild is the offensive line, where USC must replace three of its five starters from last season.
But what might’ve seemed like a major concern a few weeks ago feels much less urgent now after a few quick trips to the transfer portal.
Washington State offensive tackle Jarrett Kingston emerged as one of the better pass protectors in the Pac-12 last season. Over 399 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, he didn’t give up a sack and gave up just three hurries. He’s now a Trojan and could step in immediately to replace Bobby Haskins.
Florida transfer tackle Michael Tarquin is likely to fit in first at right tackle, given that’s where he started last season. But he’ll be challenged by Courtland Ford and Mason Murphy, both of whom have starting experience.
With Jonah Monheim set to move inside to guard and Justin Dedich settling in at center, the only looming question might be at left guard, where junior Gino Quinones got the start during the bowl game.
Riley has now coached three different Heisman Trophy winners, plus another Heisman finalist, but he’s never worked with any of those quarterbacks after they’d won the prestigious award.
He’ll get that chance with Caleb Williams, whose heroic showing as a sophomore this season begged questions of how his ceiling as a quarterback could possibly be any higher.
“There’s still a lot of things that the kid can get better at,” Riley insisted.
The spotlight will burn much brighter next season. Only once has there been a repeat Heisman winner, but the expectations for Williams will be that high. He’ll be the favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, too, meaning NFL scouts are sure to spend the season picking him apart. It’ll be a different sort of test for USC’s budding star quarterback.
More talented at receiver?
Kyle Ford was the sixth overall receiver recruit in the 2019 class. Gary Bryant Jr. was the seventh-rated wideout a year later. And C.J. Williams was the 10th best at the position two years after that.
All three have now left USC via the transfer portal. And yet, given the logjam they have at the position, could the Trojans be more talented at receiver next season?
Replacing a likely first-round pick like Jordan Addison won’t be easy, but Arizona transfer Dorian Singer was among the best receivers in the Pac-12 last season. He absolutely torched the Trojans in Tucson in October and should step up as a top target.
Incoming five-star freshman Zachariah Branch seems poised to make an immediate impact, and Makai Lemon, a top-50 recruit, could be close behind.
Special teams questions
Riley has never spent one of his full-time staff spots on a special teams coordinator, nor has he offered any indication that he might change his mind on the matter. But the coach admitted that USC’s special teams needed to improve in several areas.
That much was clear after Mario Williams muffed a kickoff return in the Cotton Bowl near the goal line, initiating an epic USC meltdown. Riley called the fumble “a monumental error” and labeled USC’s kickoff return efforts as “pretty disappointing on the year.”
Riley did express confidence in freshman kicker Denis Lynch, who connected on just 68.2% of his field goals in his first season.
“He missed a few that we would expect him to make,” Riley said, “but he probably made a few that were pretty, you know, that were pretty gutsy, big-time kicks for a young guy in that scenario.”
latimes.com
__________
Report: Bronny James Has Oregon, Ohio State, USC in Top 3; Will Commit After Season
Bronny James is the last top 50 player in the 2023 high school class to make his college decision.
It appears we won’t be waiting much longer.
bleacherreport.com
Ari Wasserman @AriWasserman
Five-star CB Cormani McClain of Lakeland (Fla.) High has flipped from Miami to Colorado. The biggest splash, without question, of the Deion Sanders era at Colorado.
Ethan white is visiting, 1st team all SEC guard. I already feel good about our line, but he could slide into the Voorhees slot and we wouldn’t see a big drop, if any, in production.
First-team All-Pac 12 ORE ST ILB Omar Speights (The Athletic’s #3 available transfer) is headed to LSU as a grad transfer.
USC WR Gary Bryant Jr. is The Athletic’s #15 portal member. He has already visited MIA and is planning to trip to A&M.
theathletic.com
Unofficial scholarship count per Antonio Morales (The Athletic): 89 “By our unofficial count, USC is four above the FBS scholarship limit of 85, so there has to be some attrition before the start of the season. Some of that might be forced, similar to last year. “The challenge this year is you’re parting ways with some guys you’ve built up some time with,” Riley told reporters last week. “Not that it was easy last year … you just didn’t have a prior relationship with all of them. … I think our guys have typically left on good terms, but I think… Read more »
Caleb’s new look
I’m assuming you mean clean fingernails?😉
Classic double entendre Rialto! Would you believe me if I claimed intention? Neither would I. ✌
I always think I’m funny, but looks aren’t everything
So your reputation as being the TDB’s funny guy isn’t just idle gossip! Good to know, especially after all these years Rialto.
Congrats to Allyson Felix, a fantastic Trojan and the most decorated American track athlete in Olympic Games history
Column: In naming field after Allyson Felix, USC chooses character over cash Allyson Felix, a Los Angeles native and the most decorated American track and field athlete in Olympics history, speaks during a news conference before the world championships on July 14 in Eugene, Ore. USC announced Wednesday that Allyson Felix Field will be dedicated at Katherine B. Loker Stadium this spring.(Gregory Bull / AP) “USC announced Wednesday that Allyson Felix Field (where so many IFC frat games used to be played in the ’70s) will be dedicated at Katherine B. Loker Stadium this spring. The field previously carried the name of Dean… Read more »
I thought SC banned the term “field” as racists. Or is it OK to use the term “field” if you are naming the “Practicum” after an African American female? No disrespect intended towards Felix, she is well deserving of the honor.
I see mao folt is still acting as the see all know all of race relations. just STFU, carol.
Never mind the fact she never competed as a USC Trojan Athlete, turning pro out of High School. I guess cause she graduated from USC makes it legit. It is funny that they rename a “field” within a week of the School of Social Work bans the term “field”. She was a great athlete so I really don’t care.
2023 USC FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Aug. 26 — San José State
Sept. 2 — Nevada
Sept. 9 — Stanford*
Sept. 16 — bye
Sept. 23 — at Arizona State*
Sept. 30 — at Colorado*
Oct. 6 or 7 — Arizona *
Oct. 14 — at Notre Dame
Oct. 21 — Utah*
Oct. 28 — at California*
Nov. 4 — Washington*
Nov. 11 — at Oregon*
Nov. 18 — UCLA*
Nov. 25 — bye
*Pac-12 Conference games
Tough coming back to play UCLA right after UW, then ORE in Eugene. Brutal stretch. Challenging schedule overall, especially the last six games.
They are gonna need depth to get through another last 3 game guantlet. At least there is a bye before the CCG, assuming SC doesn’t have an early end to the season. No game Thanksgiving weekend means we will watching and waiting for dominoes to fall our way. On the 25th we will be watching Oregon-OSU, Washington-WSU, Utah-Colorado and UCLA-Cal. The way the Pac12 cannibalizes itself anything can happen.
USC’s swan song in the Pac-12 won’t be easy.
George Kliavkoff finally found a way to exact his little pound of flesh from Mike Bohn and the Trojans. October and November will be quite a ride for Lincoln Riley.
I would say this has to be one of the toughest in the nation. 5 of the last 6 are against potential top 15 teams. Last year’s was brutal with 2 in a row, but 5 of 6, with 3 in a row. At ND and Utah back to back, then two weeks later Washington, at Oregon and UCLA back to back to back. I doubt any team in the nation is playing a gauntlet like that. I really doubt 11-1 next year; I would go with 9-3.
Maybe it’ll depend on if USC can bring in 2-3 more from the magic portal. Lots of moving parts, even departures, especially if any big-time preps swing USC’s way.
LR shocked me this year. But, I just do not think that SC has the roster on D to pull this off. The front 7 has more talent than last year, but that talent is thin, particularly on the DL. If LR brings in 2 more elite DL, one more elite ILB and two more elite OLB, then the talent on the D will be shored up. The O could use another elite OL. The first six games of the season should be victories, it is the last six that are the killers. If SC gets the amazing TE that… Read more »
Roberson is visiting USC again this week and Pleasant is looking good. Both DB’s
Yes, that is a brutal schedule and the defense has to be ready this year.
Last year it was fixing the offense. This year it is fixing the defense and special teams. The talent is coming in. It remains to be seen if the defense coaching is up to par.
But it should be good preparation for the Big10 for don’t anticipate for it to be any easier. Most likely harder.
Stewart Mandel (The Athletic) on Trojan/Bruin realignment “As for the L.A. schools: UCLA is screwed. A school with an apathetic football fan base that’s 25 years removed from its glory days is going to join a conference 2,000 miles away where half the schools play in sold-out 70,000-100,00 seat stadiums every week and the donors are willing to play the NIL game? As Jerry Seinfeld famously said: Good luck with all that. “USC has a better shot because of its history and recruiting cachet. It has an administration willing to spend at the highest level and, as of now, one… Read more »
Is he implying USC will only win half its games in the B1G? There are two teams in that conference, the rest are lesser, some much lesser. USC is on the right track to move into that conference and be a challenger, ucla not so much but who ever knows with them.
Mandel is forgetting the 12 team format. Under it, SC should make the playoffs regularly. The move was for money and marketing. SC will face the same level of competition in the B10 that it faces in the Pac. Utah, Washington, Oregon (and Oregon State in Corvallis) are all tough opponents. If SC plays in the B10 W, it will see Iowa (a Utah clone) and Wisconsin (ditto) yearly as well as NE. It will see Mich, tOSU, and Penn State irregularly.
USC has winning records against MICH (6-4) and OHIO ST (13-10-1).
How USC continues to do against these CFB behemoths will be one of the most exciting aspects of the merger.
The Athletic — “In the interest of making this process more predictable, transfer windows were adopted for 2022-23. The window for players to put their names in the portal is only open for 60 days of the year. At the FBS level, the first window closes on Jan. 18 (tomorrow).
“The second window of opportunity to transfer comes at the end of the spring semester, from May 1 through May 15…”
theathletic.com
USC freshman WR Zachariah Branch wins fastest man competition in Hawaii
rivals.com
I am going to love seeing Branch and hopefully Roderick Pleasant back returning kicks.
Nelson, Lemon and Branch are going to be amazing trio in 2024. Lemon and Branch will contribute in ’23 as well.
I am wondering what will happen to Miller Moss. With Nelson coming in as the heir apparent will he stick or move somewhere where he will finally get some PT.
If he is smart he stays and gets mentored by Riley and becomes a coach. If he was NFL material he would be gone already.
Kyle Ford commits to …..ucla.
Demoted to JV.
For the life of me, I don’t understand how someone could play for SC, and then transfer to fucla, especially with all the options he must have had. He must not be too bright. He could have spent his entire life an SC alum, and he just screwed himself. Poor career choice.
What was KF thinking?. Bless his heart.
UCLA taking USC’s sloppy seconds for both coaches and players has become a trend.
2023 USC Trojans Football Industry Comparison Commits
on3.com
Interesting to see the NIL deals. Did Nelson take a pay cut going from High School to College?
Jadan Rashada sure got screwed at Florida, is now trying to get out of his commit and LOI and go elsewhere. It makes Florida look really bad right now.
Jaden Rashada may not be Gator Bait after all Florida Gators OC Rob Sale hugs Florida Gators recruit Jaden Rashada after the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 12, 2022. Matt Pendleton / USA TODAY NETWORK “Gator Collective had a binding agreement with Rashada that AP reported was worth $13 million over four years before it was canceled. “Rashada, (who at one time was committed to Miami) was the top recruit in Florida’s incoming class, ranked in the top 50 by most recruiting services —… Read more »
Cheryl Miller, Tina Thompson, Lisa Leslie, Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, Ebony Hoffman, and the McGee twins should be smiling…
USC women’s basketball moves into projected NCAA Tournament field after huge win over #2 Stanford
Trojans Wire — “This is how you know something big has happened, and that the game has changed for USC women’s basketball.
“The Trojans are now a projected NCAA Tournament team after taking down No. 2 Stanford and dealing the Cardinal their second loss of the season. Stanford’s only other loss was to No. 1 South Carolina, the defending national champion…”
https://trojanswire.usatoday.com/lists/usc-womens-basketball-moves-into-projected-ncaa-tournament-field-after-huge-win-over-stanford/
BREAKING: MICH HC Jim Harbaugh confirms he will coach Wolverines in 2023, despite NFL interest
247sports.com
I do not know if you guys have been following the FL NIL saga with the CA QB Rasdada. The kid is a 4 star out of the Bay Area. FL collective offered him a $13 M “pay for play” NIL (over 4 years). That is a solid NFL back up contract. I doubt Matt Barkley makes that much. Well, FL boosters woke up and realized that they had hugely overpaid for the kid and advised him that he would have to renegotiate his deal. He signed the Letter of Intent with FL based on that NIL. Well, he was… Read more »
Recently I have seen a few articles on recruiting as to how USC creates a championship defense compared to Georgia with Safeties and LB’s. All hypothetical’s of course. However when 2 high level recruits enter the transfer portal from Georgia’s defense. One being a 5 star OLB and another 4 star ILB I would hope that we would be on to both of them immediately. I realize of course that many teams are after those guys, but why not us. Georgia’s success the past two years is due to there defense and the depth they have at those positions. The… Read more »
Rodrick Pleasant’s USC Visit 247Sports — Gardena Serra four-star CB Rodrick Pleasant officially visited USC over the weekend after previous trips to BC, CAL, ORE and UCLA. Pleasant will announce his choice Feb 1 at Serra. “It was good, I had a good time,” said Pleasant, who denies any leader (but is thought to favor USC) and is looking to make an immediate impact at corner wherever he signs. “I got there Friday night and spent the whole weekend there. Anthony Beavers was my host and it was good to hang out with him and get his perspective there. “He likes it… Read more »
Allen, how many scholarships do we have left to give?
Sorry, don’t know.
RJJ, there is a guy on On3 that is keeping track and right now he has USC with 86. So that means by the end of spring ball someone has to leave. Anyone else leaving will open slots for portal players.
USC WR Jordan Addison (PFF’s #2 WR) has officially declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
“To all my Pitt boys and my West coast men thank you for making this journey memorable forever… See you on Sundays,” Addison wrote on Instagram.
Addison caught 59 passes for 875 yds and eight TDs in 11 games last season at USC. The 20-year-old’s best season came in 2021 when he caught 100 passes for 1,593 yds and 17 TDs in 14 games and won the Biletnikoff award as the CFB’s outstanding WR.
Great receiver. I cannot recall him dropping a ball. Taj, Brendan Rice and Mario Williams all regularly dropped passes. Rice really corrected that issue in the Tulane game. Other guys with no drops that I can recall are Kyle Ford and Michael Jackson. I hope Ford gets on a team that has a competent QB , a competent OC, and a competent passing scheme. I would think Purdue should be a great match, but Purdue just lost its QB to graduation. But, I wish him well; he as a great player.
Not predicting here, but Tenn seems to be a popular next stop for USC transfers. He could line up with Bru McCoy, who had himself a pretty nice season.
I was thinking TN as well.
Shane Beamer denies report saying he wanted to hire Garrett Riley at South Carolina and calls out radio station On3.com — Clemson made quite a splash Friday by announcing it’s hiring TCU offensive coordinator Garrett Riley to the same role. However, a report surfaced saying South Carolina coach Shane Beamer wanted to hire Riley — and he took to Twitter to say it wasn’t true. The report came from 97.7 The Fan Upstate, which said Beamer “really wanted” Riley to become its new offensive coordinator and replace Marcus Satterfield. South Carolina hired former Arkansas tight ends coach Dowell Loggains to the role last month, and Beamer made it clear… Read more »
Glad to hear Justin Dedich announces he will return for 2023.
Dedich officially coming back. He’s been at workouts, so it was expected, but good to have him back. Going to be anchoring our line.
I always liked this guy, a 2018 4-star IOL from Temecula Chapparal Excellent versatility and experience at either guard and center. Great for the permanent OC spot now.
Sure would be exciting to actually have a dominant OL group again.
Dedich In High School: the 6-2, 290-pounder chose USC over UCLA and UW, and was ranked No. 1 among all OCs in the 247Sports composite, sitting 19th in Cal, and 154th overall nationally.
Dedich in HS looks like Buzz McAllister (Kevin’s older brother) in Home Alone and Home Alone NewYork!😂
Such an important position to have back on the OL. In my opinion, Centers don’t get enough credit for what they do. They make the OL calls, often have a DL right on their nose and have to make quick, accurate snaps, especially in the “shotgun” formation. Looking forward to the 2023 season and hope to attend a game in the Coliseum this year.
Who could ever forget four-year Trojan starter/team captain Toa Lobendahn (La Habra)? What a snapper 😂, and a Clay Helton fave as well!
Hopefully, Toa, who battled through knee injuries at USC, is doing well wherever he is. In 2021, he was a USC grad asst.
I’ll never forget his bowling ball shotgun snaps to JT Daniels when JT was a Freshman. I think the year was 2017. Those errant snaps had JT running for his life most of the time and JT was/is not known for his running ability. I hope Toa is doing good as well. I understand JT has transferred again to Rice. Hope he does well enough to earn some attention from the NFL. I’ve always liked him and thought he got a raw deal at USC with Martin and Helton.
It must have been a heckuva shock for #1 rated prep JT to leave the uber-protective pocket of well-oiled Mater Dei for the chaotic competition with Jack Sears, Matt Fink and Kedon Slovis. Then he ran into the underrated Stetson Bennett at GA. Lots of competition out there. As you say, I hope RICE, school #4 in year 6, proves to be a good landing place for him.
Shane Lee on moving forward Lee — “The first thing is to watch the film and correct everything that we need to correct. As far as moving forward, I guess it’s just playing together, playing fast, playing free. We just got to play fast and we’re having fun out there like, we’re tough to compete with. Obvious, like we’ve shown it. There’s other games with different spurts and stuff, but it’s just about being consistent in doing so. “I’m staying. I just like what we’re building here. I’m comfortable here. I’m excited for what’s to come. And I want to… Read more »
Mid last week a Oregon St. an ALL Pac 12 1st team LB entered portal. Don’t remember name…..Does anyone know if we have offered him?
Message board rumor is that he is headed to Bama. Same rumor says he was tampered with and offered big NIL money to go there.
Chris, I think all these elite kids have agents who shop them. I know if I were an elite talent, that is what I would do. Speights is an elite talent. I would love to get him, but when I read that FL paid an unproven 4 star HS QB 13 M, I have no idea what a kid like Speights can garner. I do know SC does not play the “pay for play” NIL game.
Did you ever wonder about who was really the best player in college say at QB. We NOW know the best QB in 2016 was Patrick Mahomes of Texas Tech. Kliff Kingsbury was the coach and the Mahomes lead team went 5-7 in 2016. The best QB in 2017 was Josh Allen of Wyoming. His team went 8-5. How about 2021? Pretty clear is was Brock Purdy of Iowa State. Purdy is now 6-0 as the 49er starter, and I saw him play for the first time yesterday as the 49ers demolished the Seahawks. I stopped watching after the middle… Read more »
The story goes that USC was originally known as the fighting Methodists and that one afternoon a newspaper reported stated that they fought like Trojans. The name stuck.
I just hope nobody points out that the Chargers played like Trojans (losing a game they had all but won) I don’t think the city could stand two teams with same mascot.
I haven’t watched a Chargers game in a few years. After last night, I remember why! Why would anyone be a die hard Chargers fan? Life is too short for that kind of aggravation. What’s worse choking for 30 min or 5 min?
I am not a fan of the pros. I watch them for entertainment. The Chargers never were much. I liked watching them when John Hadl was the QB and then when Coryell coached them with his innovative O. I thought the D played a lights out first half, but then failed to adjust when the Jags did. The game, however, was lost on O. They scored only 3 points in the second half. The Jags, I thought, were the better team.
Great Trojan photo. RIP Charles!
I remember seeing all of these guys on campus during my undergrad days. Can’t believe one of them has passed.
Sept. 13, 2021 (Hallelujah!) — The actual day Helton was finally fired will go down in history as one of the greatest days in Trojan football history. I still remember the feeling of extreme relief, make that gratitude. USC could finally begin its long-delayed rebuild. The growing lack of talent and coaching at USC under Helton became blatantly noticeable and ridiculous as stronger programs like ALA, OHIO ST, IOWA, ORE and ND were simply running USC off the field. Lincoln Riley inherited a massive mess, probably worse than many of us could have dreamed. It’s been a tough time for… Read more »
I am amazed the athletic department let the football program devolve into such a mess. The problem with nutrition was also confirmed by a transfer (I cannot remember who) who said that the nutrition approach at the transfer school was light years ahead of the Cat. It is remarkable how much LR accomplished in his first year (he is clearly an elite HC). The issue is going to be if he can now develop a DC who is at least average. What I find amazing is that no one has mention that SC special teams were rated by PFF as… Read more »
I think the recent portal acquisitions show that Riley is aware of the defensive deficiencies and special teams needs. That’s a good sign. That Helton was allowed to degrade the program so deeply is a bad sign. I don’t want to blame the players or the recruiting, but certain areas stand out. For instance the area of player development must have caused regression. Either the players were allowed to do whatever they did in high school to get them into USC without coaching at a college level. Or the coaches were not adept at teaching correct techniques at a college… Read more »
Yes.
Frankly, I’m surprised only 9 coaches voted for OHIO ST as their #2 pick instead of TCU. TCU lost to GA 65-7. OHIO ST lost to GA 42-41.
This programs next accomplishment can only be win the Pac-12 (minimum) ….It got to the Pac-12 Championship game but lost. Am I saying that if SC fails to even play in the Pac-12 Championship OR loses say …….3 regular season games next year that they took a step backwoods ? ….Well reading USC’S Beat Writers they would WITHOUT a DOUBT consider that a step backwoods .
I think the resources are there, but the program hasn’t taken advantage of them. Thanks Helton.
Kartje’s comment of “certain aspects of the program, such as nutrition, were lagging way behind” is troubling. With all the horsepower that USC has from a medical and health perspective, to say that nutrition is lagging way behind kind of blows me away. Maybel I’m biased being a two-time SC Alum and having been treated at the Keck Medical Center in the past, but I would think USC would be a leader when it comes to nutrition. I didn’t read the rest of Kartje’s article after he said that.
Didn’t LR hire a new nutritionist this season? Did she fail or has she not gotten the program off the ground.
Steveg: I honestly don’t know. I now live in Northwest Arizona and don’t get a lot of details on the program like I used to when I lived in the LA area.
I like his honesty about Caleb still having a lot of things he can get better at. I sometimes think he is slow making his reads and that is why he is having to escape the rush. The pocket only holds so long. Perhaps that is his off season project.