After a few twists in the road, USC’s next RB coach appears to be Utah’s Kiel McDonald:
38-year-old Kiel McDonald, in his fifth season as Utah’s running backs coach in 2021, has progressively elevated the running game in each of his four seasons. Utah led the Pac-12 in rushing in 2019 as senior Zack Moss achieved his third consecutive 1,000-yard season and became Utah’s all-time leading rusher.
The play of the running backs was key to Utah’s highly successful 2019 season that saw the team win eight Pac-12 games in a row and earn a second consecutive Pac-12 title. Moss was named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and earned All-America recognition from Pro Football Focus (1st team), FWAA (2nd team), CBS Sports (2nd team) and the AP (3rd team). He was a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award and the Doak Walker Award while setting six school records and tying two, and was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by Buffalo.
In addition to breaking Utah’s all-time rushing record (4,067), which had stood for 31 years, Moss broke career records for carries (712), 100-yard rushing games (18), rushing touchdowns (38), total touchdowns (41) and all-purpose plays (778), and tied records for career 200-yard rushing games (2) and single-season rushing touchdowns (15). Utah’s running backs scored 34 rushing touchdowns in 2019, two shy of the school record.
Under McDonald’s guidance in his junior year, Moss broke the 1,000-yard mark despite playing in just nine games because of injury. Moss averaged 121.8 yards per game (sixth in school single-season history) and was named second-team All-Pac-12.
In a shortened 2020 season, McDonald saw the Utah running back crew finished the season ranked third in the Pac-12 in average yards per rush (5.1), led by Ty Jordan, who was named Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and all-Pac-12 second-team. Jordan, who tragically passed away after the 2020 season, also earned Freshman All-America honors by The Athletic after his 119.4 rushing yards per game ranked No. 1 among freshmen in the FBS (9th overall).
Before coming to Utah, McDonald spent five years at Eastern Washington from 2012-16, where he was also the co-special teams’ coordinator. The Eagles made the FCS playoffs four times during his time there and advanced to the national semifinals in 2012, 2013 and 2016.
While best known for its passing attack (Eastern Washington averaged an FCS-best 401.0 passing yards per game in 2016), McDonald quickly shored up its run game. Inheriting a run game that averaged just 79.0 yards in 2011, McDonald led the rushing attack’s improvement to 183.7 yards per game by his second season.
The EWU running backs also saw their yards-per-carry average jump from 3.0 in 2011 to 5.3 in 2013—the school’s best figure in a dozen seasons. In 2014, McDonald coached senior Quincy Forte to second-team All-Big Sky Conference honors when he rushed for 910 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2015, three underclass running backs combined to average 4.9 yards per carry.
McDonald gained previous experience as a graduate assistant offensive quality control coach at Arizona State in 2011, preceded by one season as the defensive backs and strength coach at San Jose City College in 2010. He also interned with the San Francisco 49ers in 2010. His first name is pronounced Kyle.
Playing Career
McDonald’s collegiate playing career started at Sacramento City College, where he was an honorable mention All-NorCal Conference cornerback as a sophomore. He transferred to Sacramento State, where he played in 2005, before graduating with honors (Cum Laude) in the spring of 2006. McDonald finished his career at Idaho, tallying 31 tackles (two for loss), an interception and five pass breakups in 2006.
Coaching Experience
2017 – Utah Running Backs
2012-16 – Eastern Washington Running Backs/Co-Special Teams Coordinator
2011 – Arizona State Graduate Assistant/Offensive Quality Control
2010 – San Francisco 49ers Intern
2010 – San Jose City College Defensive BacksStrength & Conditioning
utahutes.com
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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.
Talk about crazy USC Trojans. Com is reporting that a former Eastern Michigan player is offering Caleb Williams $1,000,000 to transfer to Eastern Michigan. I know about NIL but aren’t they supposed to wait until the player is on a team?
That is the rule from what I have seen. That is a violation. Miami and BYU are being investigated for the same. Now does the NCAA have the ability anymore to do anything about it?
If the ncaa were to address the issue they would end up putting it in someone elses hands.
LB help in the portal. Troy Brown from Central Michigan. He’s legit, I’m sure everyone will extend an offer
“Brown leaves a solid legacy in Mount Pleasant as a three-time first-team All-Mid-American Conference selection. The Flint native established himself as an every down linebacker after beginning his career as a safety. “He was a first-team All-MAC selection in 2021 despite missing two games in the middle of the season with an injury. His first game back, against Western Michigan, saw him make nine tackles, a sack and an interception that sealed the 42-30 win. “Brown’s best statistical year came in 2019, his first season as a linebacker. His physical frame translated well to playing the position while his athletic… Read more »
The list of departures so far per TrojanSports.com:
Trojan scholarship players in the transfer portal. Only three have landed so far:
DT Jake Lichtenstein (Miami)
OLB Hunter Echols (Arizona)
OLB Juliano Falaniko
S Chase Williams
LB Raymond Scott
QB Kedon Slovis (Pitt)
K Parker Lewis
OL Liam Douglass
RB Kenan Christon
WR Joseph Manjack
NFL draft declarations:
WR Drake London
RT Jalen McKenzie
DB Greg Johnson
CB Chris Steele
LB Kana’i Mauga
OLB Drake Jackson
CB Isaac Taylor-Stuart
RB Keaontay Ingram
rivals.com
As near as I can figure there are another 10 scholarship redshirt seniors who are done with no future playing football. USC had 96 scholarship players for ’21 due to covid extensions. That number has to go down to the usual 85 max. So, 10 transfers out, 8 draftees, and 10 grads for 28 scholarship players out. Subtract the 11 over the 85 max rule leaves 17 scholarships available for ’22. So far SC has signed 7 commits and 3 transfers, leaving 7 more additions available, 4 more max from the portal. Bottom line, LR wants to replace 35, 28… Read more »
I’d be totally happy with your projections GT in view of what LR inherited. I hope he gets than many. Quality, not quantity, is one of LR’s most outstanding points of emphasis in his rebuild. It’s so easy to see now how The Cat scrimped on quality just for the sake of numbers. He was stuck. Eventually, STAN/USC happened, and boom. TGFS. USC can use the Portal now, IMO, for simply “good” players who will be at USC 1-2 years usually, and have needed experience already. LR simply has to get some immed experienced numbers into some positions. But the… Read more »
Welcome to the new world of NILs. I just read an article that A&M has raised $30 million for NILs for its 2022 recruiting class. The process is boosters form a set of LLCs which support non-profit causes which the athlete then is paid to support. No longer necessary to pay under the table. The money is then paid out over the career of the player. Small wonder that A&M has the best recruiting class in the nation. SC is very much entering that world and, in addition to staff, must now compete on the NIL field. It is risky,… Read more »
I’m very interested to see if Foreman pans out. He didn’t look like anything other than some average three-star recruit to me, either in terms of effort, athleticism, or football talent. We’ll see what this new staff can do with him.
This NIL world is going to be just wild. The west is gonna have to catch up fast.
I’m super happy with LR’s staff. He sure moves along quickly, and smartly as I see his efforts. Can’t wait for the first Wednesday in Feb to see what he’s got in store for the Trojans.
I think (hope?) that Foreman was a victim of a coaching staff that didn’t utilize him and others properly. IE Drake Jackson dropping into pass coverage— a lot. I think (hope?) we will see relatively quickly if he is legit or not. I think (hope?) that Grinch has a plan and knows how to implement. Like many I am looking forward to getting 2022 season started.
This from USC web site:
The USC School of Cinematic Arts Office of Industry Relations in conjunction with the Marshall School of Business, offers a formal Graduate Certificate in the Business of Entertainment. The school offers courses taught by top industry professionals in specialized topics such as entertainment marketing, entertainment finance, representation, and the business interests of agents and managers.
How can USC not become the best in the country with NIL?
With the signing of Bynum at WR out of the portal, is he any good?
Here’s his Washington stat board. Look mediocre to me.
https://gohuskies.com/sports/football/roster/terrell-bynum/13348
So he has one season left, perhaps LR thinks he is better than what he has to start out with.
Really do not know. Riley exchanged Manjack for Bynum. I will trust LR knows what he is doing.
I don’t think Manjack got a proper look-see at SC
He’s not fast like London, but he is more the Gronkowski type, run a good route and be open and get good YAC dragging tacklers with him.
Reportedly always homesick for Texas. It would be great to know if LR fought to keep him or not based on his staff’s eval.
I sure hope they don’t lose Trigg.
Been reading some headlines on recruiting nationwide …….Gotta say over the last 24 months (or more ) I was starting to believe I would NEVER see even a hint of My SC Trojans mentioned as a top 5 in recruiting again SURE LOOKS ENCOURAGING ! ……….FIGHT ON !!!!!
OT Casey Collier has entered the transfer portal.
I think this is #20.
USC’s 7-man 2022 class is ranked #64 by Rivals, behind ORE (61), CAL (57), ORE ST (52), UCLA (51), CU (41), UTAH (38), ARIZ (24), and STAN (18).
Rivals (2023) rankings: ND, GA, PSU, #4 USC, ARK, A&M, TT, OHIO ST, MICH, and FSU.
USC’s 7-man 2022 class is ranked #70 by 247Sports, behind the same Pac-12 schools, and its 4-man 2023 class is also ranked #4.
These rankings will sky rocket on Feb 3rd.
Bye-bye Keaontay! You were good.
Keaontay Ingram will head to the 2022 NFL Draft.
247sports.com
Let’s all raise a glass of Sangiovese! Classico! Arrivederci Chianti Ingram! Fight On!
Now that’s a farewell with a flourish!
🍷
I think this is 19 removed from the 2021 roster. LR wanted 35 gone. 16 more to go.
I thought I posted here but it wound up on an older thread. I expect this staff of coaches will do more than look the part (Todd Orlando) and know that the definition of discipline is more than “the field of study In which you are engaged.”
Sorry, I didn’t mean to overrun you on this Rialto. I accidentally overlooked yours. ✌
Absent something radical happening, here’s what Riley’s first Trojan staff looks like:
HC/OC – Lincoln Riley
QB – Lincoln Riley
RB – Kiel McDonald
TE – Zach Hanson
WR – Dave Nichols
WR – Dennis Simmons
OL/OC – Josh Henson
DC – Alex Grinch
DL – Shaun Nua
LB – Brian Odom
S – Alex Grinch
OLB/EDGE – Roy Manning
DB – Donte Williams
Finally, Trojan players are going to get Real development and pushed hard to maximize their ability. With LR being a top game manager, this program is going to blast off!
First, it is amazing what a difference having an elite HC and an elite AD make. The only member of the Cat’s staff remaining is Donte and he stayed only because he is an elite recruiter who could immediately deliver a 5 star recruit.
Second, does anyone notice that the Cat’s OC, DC, RB coach, safety’s coach, special teams coach and TE coach have not gotten new jobs?
Third, Donte moved from being the only elite member of the staff to a middle of the pack member.
The last 13 years are in our rear view mirror.
Bruin fans in general are worried (yes, admit it little gutties) about this LR-to-USC deal a lot. Many aren’t that happy with Choc Chip as it is, since he has sorely under-delivered. They also know they are in a total football arms race now. USC jumped fully on that bandwagon (basically), but the Bruins haven’t yet, and there’s no real sign they ever will. They’re still closer to USC with Helton than USC with Riley and his new sparkly, expensive, sought-after staff. USC must have found some sugar daddies somewhere. But they know 8-9 win seasons is their ceiling unless… Read more »
Did USC find sugar daddies? Or did they finally recognize how much money they were losing from the football program.
UCLA had its chance. SC had its worst coaching staff in the last 60 years for at least 5 years. That window is now closed. UCLA lacks the resources to rebuild. In fact, in the Pac only two schools have the same level of resources- Stanford and Oregon. Stanford will not invest them in elite football; Oregon will.
Wonder who will coach special teams?
I hope the DB’s last year were more a result of Helton than Donte.
The more I read and see about the ALA/GA matchup, the more I’m starting to think that the Bulldogs will take this one, and win their first since 1980 — back when Hershel Walker ruled the earth and led the Dawgs to the title as a true frosh.
If I’m not mistaken, Walker also seriously considered USC and was recruited by John Robinson. Losing players like Walker I think started to grate on Robinson, and the next thing you know, he’s with the Rams.
Interesting you bring this up. You know who was one of Robinson’s best friends was? John Madden and it may have pestered him to prove to himself he could coach the pros also just like his predecessor John McKay. Of course McKay was no doubt looking for a new challenge and nice payday and was offered a PC & Seahawk type opportunity (or vice versa). I really find it hard to believe Walker would have gone anywhere but Georgia being a homeboy. But Robinson may not have been in the same league as a Saban or PC in recruiting across… Read more »
For some reason, and this was 4-5 years before I got into the recruiting biz in ’85, I read somewhere that Robinson had just about had his fill of recruiting. I don’t think he liked it. I think it got to him, even though he was a players-coach, and one of the best glad-hander mensches (for extreme lack of a better description) of all time.
Robinson ended up leaving USC for a lot of reasons though. I think he’s a fairly complicated guy who communicated simple messages very well.
To follow your story, when you got in the recruiting business, at Colton High School Don Markham was winning most his games and McKay signed Tony Oliveria while Robinson signed Marvin Williams In 1984. Robinson came to the football banquet after Colton won the 3-A Southern section CIF title. Markham got JR to make a speech. He came in 5-minutes before his turn to speak and left immediately afterwards. I was a volunteer assist. coach and asked Markham what gives? Markham shook his head and said JR didn’t want any part of the banquet but came as a favor to… Read more »
Allen, you only get to pick one. For me, the Redhawks!!!
Yes, indeedy. Plus, there’s quite a few big red-tailed hawks where I live.
And……there’s solid precedent here.
MIA (OH) already changed its name from the Redskins to the RedHawks long ago.
1997-1998. Out of respect for the Miami Tribe’s request, Miami University changes its mascot name from Redskins to RedHawks.
Shaun Nua per Wiki: Coaching career: Following his stint playing in the NFL (Pittsburgh and Buffalo from ’05-08), 40-yr old Shaun Nua returned to his alma mater as a defensive graduate assistant on the staff of BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall from 2009-2011. Nua helped the Cougars achieve the nation’s 24th-best total defense in 2010 and the 13th-ranked defense in 2011. BYU won its bowl games both years while finishing the 2011 season ranked No. 25 in the final USA Today Coaches Poll with a 10-3 record. On January 26, 2012, Nua joined the coaching staff of Ken Niumatalolo at Navy as defensive line coach. On January 7,… Read more »
I think the hire is super important for multiple reasons, but the biggest may be cultural. It’s good to have a Polynesian coach on staff.
It’s just amazing how much complete access LR has to the most well-respected college assts in the game.
He makes The Cat Helton look like a grad asst by comparison, except for the Donte Williams hire.
Yeah, he looks at the top 5 DL coaches of the year and goes and gets one. Amazing. Of course he needs to be able to offer top dollar. Nice that Bohn is able to back him up financially.
Donte fell into the Cat’s lap because Donte already wanted to be in LA due to his parents’ health, so I don’t give the Cat much, if any, credit for that.
The Cat definitely always had the inside track there, but most all of Helton’s players professed to “love” him, often publicly. The Cat’s an enigma for me in that regard. but he must be incredibly likable. So I give him credit for finally pulling it off. Lots of weird things in that world can always go wrong.
Donte was begging to come home and Helton still couldn’t have gotten him. I have to believe that was all Bohn.
Shuan Nua, DL coach at Mich rumored to be headed our way in same role.
https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-assistant-coach-shaun-nua-152306461.html
It is on Scoop also.
He was getting $430K/yr at Michigan. Wonder what he and the other position coaches are getting? Sounds like a good hire.
Ya, baby! Thanks for the heads up VT. The CFB coaching/player free-for-all circus is in full swing. It looks to me like Jim Harbaugh is sick of the structure of CFB and possibly going to return to the NFL (unless he’s just angling for more $). That loaded GA team just may have given him the impetus he needs to bolt Ann Arbor after finally eclipsing OHIO ST, on the field at least. In the meantime, LR is on fire for USC! I’ve never/rarely seen a coach pivot so fast to other fantastic staff coaching hires. Shaun Nua is a… Read more »
UCLA WR Kyle Philips (#2) declares for the Draft.
I’m sure glad that always under-rated sucker is gone.
LSU loses to KSU 42-20, in Houston.
Just Two seasons ago, Ed Orgeron’s 15-0 Tigers fielded what some called the best CFB team ever assembled. Crazy.
The Athletic (Ari Wasserman) predicts where some elite USC targets will land: 3. Five-star OT Josh Conerly Jr. High school: Seattle (Wash.) Rainier Beach Ranking: No. 32 overall, No. 3 offensive tackle Height/weight: 6-5, 275 pounds Announcement date: Feb. 2 Considering: Washington, Michigan, Alabama, Oklahoma, Oregon and Miami The buzz: There is no question that Conerly was a top priority for Washington, but given all the movement that’s taken place with the firing of Jimmy Lake, it’s not clear whether the Huskies can regain traction. Conerly has been tight-lipped about his recruitment, but it seems as though Jim Harbaugh has the Wolverines in a solid position,… Read more »
I sure hope Riley has plan B ready to go because it sure seems every college is working the portal really hard.
I know. You’re all on the edge of your seats about this, but:
The Washington Football Team will announce its new name and logo on Feb. 2.
Some candidates are the Defenders, Commanders, Redhawks, Brigade, Sentinels, Admirals, Presidents, Armada, and Red Hogs.
I have come to like the Washington Football Team as its name.
It wasn’t bad. I think I would choose the Redhawks, or the Red Hogs going forward.
Redhawks are a common predatory bird in the DC area. How is that so different than seahawks, falcons and cardinals? Eagles is taken. Just plain Hogs would be appropriate for DC. Foxes and Skunks are an option.
I propose they acquire Eagles from Philly (bald eagle the national bird, and so on) and rename Philly the Philabusterers.
Lots of Pigs and Hogs in DC I hear. I’m curious how this turns out. The WFT took their time. Good idea I think. Naming is a big deal. I always thought the “Trojans” was a great name for me to follow. The Rams, Chargers, and 49ers all have good names too. It’s still sometimes hard for me to grasp that the Raiders are of Las Vegas now. They seem to fit well there. I wonder if Oakland would bring them back if they could? San Francisco has done so poorly during Covid with the massive, overwhelming inner-city crime and… Read more »
Slime, worthless waste of space – there are a bunch of names that can be chosen for this area.
I could learn to live with the WFT moniker, but I still at a quick glance associate those 3 letters with another 3 word phrase.
😃
How ‘bout the new name be “redskins?”
JuJu Smith-Schuster tweet to Ben Roethlisberger — “If tonight is the last ride at home, I have to say thank you to one of the best QBs in NFL History for welcoming me into this league, helping me grow, and being there for me in every step of my career. It’s been an honor to catch passes and take the field with you. Thank you, 7!”
The Scoop — USC: Former Oklahoma State recruiting analyst Zachary Crabtree has joined Lincoln Riley’s USC staff.
Not sure if this has already been reported here from The Scoop: USC: Source shares with FootballScoop USC is planning to hire Parker Henry (below) as an analyst (defense). Henry has served on Oklahoma’s staff the past three seasons.
Let me send Zack my card. Geezus Mary & Joseph!
Don’t bother, Allen chose to grab the worst of Henry’s photos.
henry and Crabtree will both be great analysts.
P.S. He got a partial bridge.
Curious, Alpha–how do you know about Zack’s (pardon me) PARKER HENRY’s dentistry? Agree–I think Allen punked this nice young man.
It looks like he has a dental implant in place, ready to have its dental crown attached.
Punked? How so? I love Henry’s photo, which is why I put it up.
Oh, I forgot, you’re a dentist. I’ve got a front implant too, because of an old football injury sustained at the Colorado River during spring break in a tough flag football game. Fantastic.
Yes, it looks like that is an implant, but my point was he has Teeth. He’s not a Jack O’ Lantern
I actually picked Parker Henry’s photo from the official WSU Sports website, from when Vancouver walk-on Henry was a redshirt SR nickel back in 2016.
Obviously, WSU football appreciated and liked Henry’s toothless grin just as much as I did.
Henry playing at Wassu…he’ll bring intensity to our team
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_bDLGDGcVQ
Looks more like a hockey player.
I am not sure how this college basketball season will play out but I can tell you at the high school level it’s a mess. Six kids on my sons basketball team tested positive for Covid, not one has a symptom. The other six are now going to play this week, apparently that’s the magic number. Quarantine is now only 5 days, so next week should be back to normal. Omicron working it’s magic, everyone catching it and nobody getting sick. At least in my little anecdotal circle.
San Diego is reporting record numbers of positive cases, ERs are reporting few with serious signs/symptoms, ERs are overwhelmed with people not very sick but want a test, hospitalizations for the Vid one third of this time last year. Like you said, everyone catching it, nobody getting sick, many people in a panic over nothing. Some reports people going to the ER everyday just to get a test!
I know it is easy to dunk on UCLA for losing Dillon Gabriel and think that Caleb Williams will be coming to SC, and would never play for Chip. But after the Trojan record of the past 5 years I think it might wise to pump the brakes just a bit. Hiring LR is a great first step. But it is just that, a first step. Hopefully the first of many. Fight On!
Question for you T5? Since USC is now coached by Lincoln Riley, what possible relevance do the Trojans coached by The Cat Helton have to do with these Trojans of 2022 and beyond? Recruits look at USC totally differently now. I have no clue if Caleb Williams comes to USC or not. I’m sure not banking on that and feel that LR will be fine at USC with who we already have at QB. Maybe Caleb would upset the current QB mix too much at USC. LR has already done so much to improve USC during the month or so… Read more »
I don’t disagree with you. The trajectory of SC football is clearly on an upward path. I agree that LR has already made any mention of CH irrelevant. Maybe instead of pumping the brakes I should have said humility. We can celebrate the impact LR has already had. But there are still any hills to climb and until then I am going to keep my enthusiasm in check. Not a lot, but just a little.
Admittedly, I’m very over the top about USC’s prospects under LR. I also think the rest of the Pac-12 is already very queasy about playing USC with a real coach in charge. Some coaches are going to have to upgrade their games, or they’re gonna be toast, along with those big fat salaries. I obviously do like to rag on UCLA whenever possible, mercilessly if appropriate. (Love that last-second Holiday Bowl dodge, UCLA!). I see LR causing big problems for the Bruins, and Gabriel splitting from UCLA because he suddenly sees OU as a better opportunity makes my day. It… Read more »
As bad as we have been, the bRuins have been worse. They couldn’t manage a way to recruit LA and become a winning team during the worst era of USC football. I feel no sympathy for them.
Allen, SC during GH’s first year had three NFL starters as WRs and two NFL starting OL. Kedon looked great with all that talent. But, with all that talent, SC still went 8-5 and got routed by Iowa. Thank God the Cat is in the rear view mirror.
Pac-12 Commish George Kliavkoff — “I saw a lot of Pac-12 football in person, and I would put our skill-position players up against any in the country. But we have a size disadvantage with our offensive and defensive lines. We need to recruit bigger, stronger, faster kids on the line of scrimmage “It’s not going to be an immediate turnaround. We’re in the valley, and there’s work to do to climb the hill. “I have 100 percent buy-in. Not just from the ADs and coaches but also from the presidents and chancellors. “There are things that are beyond our control.… Read more »
I watched every game. I am not certain I agree. I thought Utah did fine against Ohio State. It was nothing like the mauling the Cat lead Trojans took in Darnold’s senior year. I was at that game. The score was not indicative of how badly the Buckeyes dominated SC’s lines, particularly the OL. My guess is it is as much coaching and conditioning as talent. Utah State dominating Oregon State (which totally dominated SC) was not the result of a talent gap.
The UTAH team I saw just completely stunk in the 4th Q. I wouldn’t call that doing fine at all.
There’s a lot of words one can use for completely collapsing in the 4th Q. Fine isn’t one of them. By game’s end frankly, I’m sorry to say I didn’t feel UTAH belonged on the same field as the Buckeyes. If USC had lost like UTAH did…oh wait, USC used to always lose like that under Helton. Not a good look at all.
I suggest that Utah’s 4th quarter collapse was a proof point for Kliavkoff’s premise. The smaller slower guys wore down as the game progressed and couldn’t get any pressure on the QB whatsoever.
And Cincy hung with Bama for a few minutes, etc., the season is littered with smaller slower athletes hanging in there for a bit, but eventually in the 2nd half, it catches up with them.
I say, bring on all the faster bigger athletes you can find, Coach LR.
BTW, if you have the opportunity to catch ALL MADDEN (NFL Network, various channels), it’s definitely worth the 1.5 hours.
Madden — “The road to easy street goes through the sewer.”
Boom!
Love that bruins lost Dillon Gabriel. They seem to think they are a real destination for Caleb Williams, which I think is a stretch.
I don’t think chip is quite what Williams is looking for.
I don’t think Caleb would ever choose to play head-to-head against Lincoln Riley as a cross-town opponent. I see that as a zero starter from the get-go. Plus, UCLA, with or without Choc Chip, simply isn’t big-time enough for Caleb. That’s my reason #2. BTW, I also love that UCLA lost Dillon Gabriel to OU, especially right on the day he was to begin classes in Westwood. What a downer for the little gutties. And it’s all caused by Lincoln Riley as an immed trickle-down effect from his moves and popularity. Choc Chip may as well be coaching in a… Read more »
Where would Chip go and make more than $4.5 million? Cannot think of a program that has the ability to pay that level of money that would take him. The only teams would be in the B10 or SEC. Chip played under .500 ball for 3 years in the weakest (by far) conference in Power 5 and his banner year in that same conference was 8-4.
Coaching salaries are ridiculous. Yet the best ones earn back their salaries tenfold.
There’s been little said about Choc Chip really leaving UCLA. I haven’t a clue about that possibility, but once his buyout expires, all hell could break loose. Anything that promotes UCLA turmoil, I’m in favor of. UCLA’s a hard place for football to be successful at for various long-argued reasons. Maybe Chip’s lining up his next gig. I wouldn’t put it past him, especially since LR is only 12 miles away now.
Chip has failed every where he’s been since Oregon. Maybe he can go to the Sun Belt where he can beat up on The Cat some more. Agree on Williams, why on earth would he go to ucla? He already has a starting position on a top 5 team that will be in the hunt next year for the playoffs. He’s a big name on a big brand team. Going to ucla is a clear step down, or seven. I think he’s putting out feelers to see if an SEC team is interested, like LSU and Florida where the QB… Read more »
Will the SEC outbid USC for Caleb Williams? They sure can if they want, and USC won’t match that. That’s just not USC’s brand and I don’t see a change there quickly. USC has already shown it’s willing to lose bidding wars under LR. I still say Caleb probably stays at OU (even with Dillon Gabriel) or moves to USC, unless he goes for the bigger NIL bucks available in the SEC. Certainly possible, and some would say likely. Why USC? Only one reason in the world: Lincoln Riley, who actually somehow developed tough but mediocre Baker Mayfield into a… Read more »
Allen don’t count out SC for NIL. Still not clear to me how those things are offered. Coaches salary comes out of USC’s pocket. NIL doesn’t. I won’t speculate on CW coming or not. If he does that would be interesting. It counts as a portal spot, leaving 3 left. If he does I would think some good O Linemen are coming from somewhere.
At this stage, I don’t think USC’s NIL setup is equipped to handle the SEC’s better NIL deals. I still say if Caleb comes to USC, it will be solely because of LR, an offensive/QB mastermind. That’s the real Trojan hole card and actual advantage over the SEC, which holds the better conference, better fan support, better TV and bowl exposure, and better NIL advantage as of now. Just ask ALA QB Bryce Young. I think there’s a good chance he stays at OU. But I’m sure not counting out USC with LR either, or the NIL-rich SEC, where they… Read more »
The NIL topic is an interesting one. For USC, it’s a bit of a chicken-egg conundrum at the moment. I think USC has the potential to equal and surpass NIL opportunities in the SEC, but in order for that to happen, it has get rolling again somewhere close to the PC years. So, the NIL opportunities could be there with a rolling program, but a rolling program’s existence would accelerated with a compelling NIL offering.
I believe we’ll get there, just not in one year or as quickly as I’d like. I do love the current trajectory though!
I figure LR is wise, connected, and experienced enough to already know the lay of the land re NIL. And I agree fully. The Pac-12, including USC, has some big-time catching up to do in football success before the west reaches what the SEC is already accomplishing via NIL. No sense pretending the conferences are equal in that regard now.
USC is just aggravating programs left and right. LR works fast.
In just today, OU QB Caleb Williams entered the portal, QB Dillon Gabriel transferred to OU from UCLA, very well-regarded RB coach Kiel McDonald said goodbye to UTAH, and WR Terrell Bynum is now a Trojan, not a Husky.
Sorry OU, UCLA, UTAH, and UW. Just a sign of things to come.
Good. They’ve all benefitted and delighted in watching Troy go up in flames for the past decade. Now it’s time to rise from the ashes and dish out some payback.
True. The rest of the Pac-12 totally loved that the NCAA tried to completely take apart USC football. Now, the Pac-12’s hopes literally hinge on USC returning to power. Funny how that worked out.
I like what I see in these above posts, including what Kliavkoff has said in part. But I am not about to give him any applause when he throws in excuses. The coaching needs to be upgraded throughout the conference and that means upgrading your football program budget, pure & simple. You’d think the way this conference performs, all it is interested in is Olympic sports. i like what Nick Saban said earlier this week that expanding the playoff will not enhance it.. Only those who truly deserve to be in it should so. Having a conference champion that lost… Read more »
Expanding the playoff won’t enhance it. Just more teams will get in that have even smaller chances of winning it all. But it’s still absolutely necessary to provide greater fan interest, stop damaging over-regionalization, and to also hopefully encourage players to perform in playoff games since their teams aren’t out of the running. Personally, I think the SEC wins more because they have better coaches, and significantly more better players for sure. Just check out NFL rosters, the most objective measure. The Pac-12’s player contribution to the NFL is literally minuscule compared to the SEC. That’s what the numbers show… Read more »
The P11 definitely underestimated the “rising tide lifts all ships” principle, or in the conference’s case, a lowering tide lowered all ships. The P11, like it or not, has to accept that USC is the conference’s moon with great tidal influence.
What pro QB prospect has Chip developed since coming to Westwood in the weak PAC 12? DTR will not even get drafted. No Heisman winners (Riley has two); and zero pro starters (Riley has three). Does Gabriel going to OU mean DTR returns for his 5th year as a starter?
I think DTR might be back. As you say, he’s not a big NFL target in all probability, though I feel he would get drafted on his 2021 USC tape alone. It actually makes a lot of sense for him to stay at UCLA, and I can see that for sure.
Just another frequent example of Lincoln Riley hurting UCLA simply by being USC’s new coach.
B/R — UCF transfer QB Dillon Gabriel announces he’s flipped from UCLA to OU.
Gabriel, who was expected to begin classes at UCLA today, is instead reuniting with Jeff Lebby in Norman.
Come on Caleb. The handwriting is on the wall. Follow your ambitious coach and help re-establish USC as the dominant national power it rightfully is.
Ex-UW Huskies receiver Terrell Bynum announces transfer to Pac-12 competitor USC Mike Vorel (Seattle Times) — Terrell Bynum is leaving the University of Washington football team. But not the Pac-12. A 6-foot-1, 190-pound SR WR, Bynum on Monday announced his intentions to join coach Lincoln Riley and Pac-12 South heavyweight USC. The Long Beach, California, native (Bellflower St. John Bosco) — who confirmed his entry into the transfer portal Dec. 27 — totaled 65 catches for 934 receiving yds and six TDs in four seasons and 34 games at UW. As a RS JR in 2021, he contributed 26 catches for 436… Read more »
3 transfers down, 4 to go. A couple veteran OL would be nice if they are out there.
Picked up transfer WR from Washington today. I don’t remember him, but we didn’t play them. Again I trust LR.
Caleb Williams looking to decompress a little
Caleb Williams in transfer portal. We shall see, but I am betting he is the Georgia starter next year.
That would be awfully tough on TJ Daniels, to be at USC and GA, and get beaten out by three different QBs. Sure not what he had in mind at Mater Dei.
Do you think USC should take Caleb if he wants to come? I do.
Count me in. I like SC’s chances, simply because can you imagine how much money the kid will make if he is a star here!
Yes! If Riley wants him here than do do I. He’s certainly a gifted QB.
I’d bet the farm he is coming to USC. I just don’t own a farm.
Yahoo Sports — “professional development” will be the key factor in Caleb Williams’ decision, now that he is in the portal, per his father, Carl.
“We want Caleb to be ready to play when he becomes a pro,” Mr. Williams said. “You go to college to get prepared for your career. His chosen career path is professional football. We want him to be prepared for when that time comes.”
Absolutely take him and if he wins the starting job he must be good.
Hello USC!
Fourth-round pick Amon-Ra St. Brown is becoming an NFL star:
St. Brown all over the place…
Reggie Bush @ReggieBush
“All jokes aside I hope AB gets help before it’s too late.”
I’ve been subsumed with work, but I guess the upshot is we didn’t pull in any of the major commitments we were hoping for at the AA Bowl?
I watched a lot of the game and as far as USC goes, the only takeaway I had was that big S Zion Branch is gonna be a real player at USC IMO.
This particular AA game didn’t have elites who USC really seemed to be in the running for that much. Any USC win from this group would have been the same as a Hail Mary. That was my impression, but I could be wrong. There’s still a couple of more games though.
Freshman WR Joseph Manjack IV entered the transfer portal on Sunday, meaning 17 scholarship players who could have been on the 2022 USC roster will be elsewhere.
on3.com
The story says 19 are in the portal. The current roster shows 22 redshirt seniors. Will all of these guys be gone? That’s 41. Is that accurate? That is a lot and if LR can only add 7 in the portal, hope February signing is a big haul of 4-5*s.
Big S Zion Branch (6-2, 195) gets an easy pick in the UA AA game. Yes, he’s a Legend, not an Icon! Very impressive-looking kid.
2019 Pac-12 Football Recruiter Rankings per 247Sports.com.
Their list covered 105 Pac-12 coaches, and Kiel McDonald came in at #20. Of note, Keary Colbert was ranked #4 in 2019, followed by #5 pick Donte Williams.
I’d say USC is bringing in some excellent recruiters.
247sports.com
Kiel McDonald’s total pay from UTAH in 2020 was $225,000.
I’m thinking LR just offered Kiel a big bounce.
Just a reminder: The Under Armour AA game just started on ESPN.
Remind us again who is supposed to announce from this game?
Sorry, can’t tell you. 🙁
Update: TEXAS A&M is the big winner here. It sure looks like Jimbo Fisher has an aim on the NC.
RB Jovantae Barnes commits to Oklahoma, new Sooners coach Venables keeping running backs coach DeMarco Murray on staff sealed the deal. Barnes had USC and Florida State in his final 3 with the Sooners.
I never personally could see DeMarco Murray leave OU for USC to coach RBs. DeMarco’s a Sooner through and through. Glad I never got my hopes up.
USC’s in so many different prospect conversations since LR took over. I think it’s amazing how fast the guy has worked, especially when moving forward immed in filling RB coach and OL coach positions which ran into roadblocks.
Just who LR comes up with for a new DL coach, who knows? But after watching LR for a while, it doesn’t seem like we’ll have to wait too long.
Coach O is available to be the DL coach and he is a great recruiter. 😉
Unfortunately, Ed O left LSU with some pretty bad personal press, Regardless if true, I don’t think USC is going there, unless LR wants to. Wouldn’t that be a kick?!
It was listed tongue in check, but if there were no issues and he was will to take that kind of step back would be awesome.
I think he would be welcomed by the fans, not sure what madam Folt would say. He would be an asset for sure.
Key words, “appears to be…”
Ya, if McDonald steps on campus, starts recruiting for USC, then immed leaves for another school, well, that would be just a little too much for all of us KoolAid drinkers to take.
Buying the best position coaches away from the rest of the Pac12 is one strategy.
CB Isaac Taylor-Stuart says he is entering the 2022 Draft, following in the footsteps of fellow Trojan CB Chris Steele.
ITS had a rough year, really rough. I know he’s a good athlete, but that didn’t translate on the field. Hope he succeeds at next level.
I think he is nuts when he has a shot to learn and play under quality coaching. I think if anything he will go free agent then maybe practice squad.