Lincoln Riley starts USC rebuilding with statement on local recruits
Dylan Hernandez (LA Times) — He wasn’t the same country bumpkin who was introduced as USC’s new head coach three weeks earlier. By the time Lincoln Riley addressed reporters again Friday at Heritage Hall, the wide-eyed tourist had morphed into a calm sage.
Clay Helton never looked this comfortable in his six-plus seasons as the Trojans’ leader.
Riley wasn’t loud. He wasn’t animated.
He didn’t have to be.
He was a coach with a clear idea of where he was headed and what he had to do to get there.
“We know what a championship program looks like,” Riley said.
The measured delivery of his words projected a confidence that he could do here what he did at Oklahoma, if not more.
“We’ll get the pieces,” he said matter-of-factly.
Riley’s plan already was starting to take shape, as the Trojans signed the consensus No. 1 player in the state, Santa Ana Mater Dei cornerback Domani Jackson.
“We’re going to sign players from all over, but the majority of players we are going to sign are certainly going to be from this part of the country,” Riley said.
Reflecting on his experiences recruiting in Southern California in his previous job as Oklahoma’s coach, Riley explained why he believed USC is positioned to dominate the local recruiting landscape.
“I always remember a sense not just in this state but this part of the country that when ‘SC was good, they were going to be tough to beat,” Riley said. “And when ‘SC wasn’t good, you maybe had a chance to sign kids that deep down really wanted to go to ‘SC and maybe the program just wasn’t where it needed to be or where they felt like it was good enough to go.
#3 Domani Jackson of Mater Dei is headed to USC instead of Alabama. (Jerome Miron / Jerome Miron)
“I still feel that deep down the majority of players around here, they want to play at USC.”
To Riley’s point: In the wake of his hiring, USC gained oral commitments from two of the region’s best players in the 2023 class in quarterback Malachi Nelson and receiver Makai Lemon of Los Alamitos.
Counting Jackson, the Trojans landed only seven players in the early signing period, but Riley said that was by design.
“There’s been a lot of interest in people wanting to come here,” Riley said. “It’s tempting to want to come up here today and have 20 names on this list. But we know in the end that’s not how you build a championship roster. It’s about getting the right names. The numbers will come.
“We did not want to go off on a lot of wild chases on guys that were unlikely to come here in such a short time period. Most importantly, we didn’t want to go off hunting guys just trying to add guys on signing day that we didn’t know and that did not know us. You just take that risk of, ‘Am I bringing the wrong piece in the room?’ Right now, obviously, you’ve got to go get the right pieces, but you’ve got to avoid bringing in the wrong pieces too.”
No panic moves here.
Riley didn’t sugarcoat the abilities of the players he inherited from Helton, saying a significant number of them would be replaced.
“We may overhaul 35, if not even more, spots on this roster,” he said. “That’s a huge overhaul when you figure a travel college roster is 70.”
As he said, the numbers will come.
They will come via the transfer portal. They will come via the late signing period.
As he explained how he would rebuild a four-win team, Riley was relaxed enough to make a pitch to the potential recruits watching a live stream of the news conference.
“What a phenomenal resource that we have right at our fingertips here with the power of this university and the power of this city,” he said. “The possibilities for NIL for all of our student-athletes here are endless.”
What he didn’t say was that he also now had the benefit of competing in a conference in transition. The Pac-12’s two other traditional powers, Oregon and Washington, also hired new coaches in the last month.
In a couple of years, the Trojans will have a clear path to the College Football Playoff.
“I like what we have,” Riley said. “I think it’s a good starting point. Now, it is a starting point. We’ve got a lot to build, but I’m confident we’ll do that.”
And why shouldn’t he be?
He built a winner at Oklahoma. He walked into an ideal situation at USC. Nothing has gone wrong — yet.
latimes.com
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AP — “Pitt (Kedon Slovis’ new school) is in the process of looking for a new offensive coordinator after Mark Whipple left for the same position at Nebraska.
“Whoever is at quarterback for the Panthers won’t lack for weapons, including Biletnikoff Award-winning wide receiver Jordan Addison, who caught 93 passes for 1,479 yards and 17 touchdowns…”
latimes.com
Has anyone else been watching the coaching staff grow at Georgia Southern. Clay the CAT is doing the same thing there he did here, hiring guys nobody else wants and grad assistants to be coaches. If any of these people think Clay is going to do something to better their careers they are so sadly mistaken. It really seems to me that the CAT has run out of lives and will sadly sink soon with his staff going with him, again.
I just went and looked at his staff, it’s better than I would have thought. I would have expected him pulling from FCS level for sure. I’m not sure why guys would leave similar spots at other schools to go there, like the OLine coach from UAB. Harris got a promotion from his spot at UW, and also didn’t have a job with new coach there, but still a reputable guy. same with Ellis, not anything great on resume, but WKU broke records this year. maybe he does OK there, but he certainly didn’t here. I don’t really care if… Read more »
Is Harrell officially gone?
Why would USC ever keep him? He’s from the crappy old guard, Lincoln always calls plays, is known as an offensive genius, and he already has another co-OC he just hired from A&M.
What would Harrell do? Clean toilets? Get him out of here.
Ha, for the amount of money left in his contract maybe he will clean toilets.
Question was, is he officially gone? I think we all want that to happen.
USC can only have so many asst coaches and they have room for one RB coach. That’s it. Harrell’s not a RB coach, and never has been. I don’t understand why Harrell has to be “officially gone” when there’s no room for him to be a part of USC football. Why? He’s not going to be on USC’s on-field staff. That’s as official as it gets, regardless of paperwork, contracts, send-off packages, etc. Most people thought he’d latch on somewhere in Texas, but some of those opportunities dried up. But so far his search for a job has turned up… Read more »
It will be updated as of January, contracts are calendar.
Graham Harrell seemed to get off scot-free for whatever part he played in the regression of Kedon Slovis as his QB coach.
It would be interesting to know what USC REALLY still owes GH. Interest from both TEXAS and the Philadelphia Eagles forced that nice pay upgrade from USC to keep him.
Steveg,
The amount outstanding per his contract is $1.3m
Just how bad WAS USC in 2021? 4-8 doesn’t really show how bad it was. Letting the little gutties hang 62 on the Trojans was what I’ll remember most. Two teams that both beat the Trojans also just lost their bowl games too. USC made a game of it against BYU in the Coliseum, but couldn’t close the deal, losing 35-31. BYU just lost to UAB 31-28 in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. ORE ST mauled USC, again in the Coliseum, 45-27. The Beavers closed out their 7-6 season losing to UTAH ST 24-13 at Sofi Stadium in the Kimmel… Read more »
Allen it was a deterioration of the program that even CH could no longer cover over. After thinking about it, it wouldn’t surprise me if CH went to Bohn after the Stanford game saying I can’t hold this together any more which is what Bohn was no doubt waiting for to happen and quickly made his move. The slow but continual slide affected by CH’s lack of ability lasted 5-years to where winning games today is now a struggle. But fortunately as some have claimed, was how long it took to clean up the untold mess the Nikias administration created.… Read more »
Jamaica,
None of us know what happened. All that matters is SC has been fixed. It is going to take time and a ton of money, but it is obvious to all NOW just how over matched Clay was for the job. This reality makes Swann look like a complete fool. He gave a total incompetent a high priced extension. The answer to this is NEVER negotiate with Jimmy Sexton unless you are willing to have your coach leave and clearly know what you are talking about.
Swann ruined himself with the USC AD gig. He was a huge hero to many Trojans and making bookoo bucks on simple autographs and a smiling face before he clawed his way into the USC job with the help of just-deceased billionaire storage magnate Wayne Hughes. Just an amazing example of you better watch out for what you wish for. You might get it — eventually in the rear end.
Renewing CH as HC and with a hefty pay increase, you have to wonder if Swann was ordered to do so. I mean, even a political wannabe but still a knowledgeable former star player would not throw caution into the wind agreeing to keep a clueless HC? He had to get approval from higher ups to close this unfathomable deal? And yet, he could have had enough self pride and respect to say “no I won’t do this” and be prepared to resign.
Jam — I’ve read where you floated this “he made me do it” theory before. I’m just not sure what to make of that. Getting approval is a lot different from taking orders. The bottom line to me is that there are so many ways that Swann could have driven a harder, much more savvy, and inexpensive bargain to the benefit of USC re The Cat. Isn’t that what he is supposed to do? I get the impression that Bohn works from that angle every day, trying to save money so that it’s available for better choices. Let’s face it.… Read more »
Allen, I think you can add that this team was so bad that it might have ended the careers of several coaches. So far, the only coaches off that staff that have a job (when there are a ton of jobs open given all the change) are Clay (at GA Southern), Donte (due solely to his ability as a recruiter), Keary Colbert (at UF as WR coach), and the McGuire (who returned to WSU). The OC, the DC, and the DL coach are all still looking. My guess is all the GAs are also looking. GH is going to have… Read more »
Orlando, the Marlboro Man, had me totally bamboozled. I admit. I loved what he said, and how he said it. Just like I do Lincoln Riley.
Then his slow defenses took the field and the scoreboard started lighting up, on the wrong side, of course. I wish all these coaches the very best. It’ll be interesting to see where they all end up in the end. Definitely worth keeping track of, just for fun.
According to what I’ve been able to find, Harrell has one more year on his extended contract given in Dec 19 for 3 years.
In Bohn We Trust. Or is it In Riley We Trust?
I’m not sure I trust Harrell anymore, so it better be one of the first two. He needs a new coordinator job, and fast. I wonder how he accommodates USC to make this happen? Of if he even has to?
Brandon Sosna gave a very in-depth hour plus interview/discussion last night on Tunnel Vision 24/7 free to all. glimpse into the Athletic dept and mindset of those now steering the direction of USC Sports.
As we’ve all read elsewhere, Lincoln Riley has publicly pronounced that USC is officially “open for business.” In today’s blossoming NIL world, that’s a very telling statement and shows that Riley is attacking USC’s culture/talent deficiencies with the late 2021 mindset that’s needed to succeed at the highest levels. He’s bringing in expensive coaches as well as talent that’s probably going to cost a lot too. The game of CFB is changing rapidly right before our very eyes. So much is going on, not only new for the game we all appreciate so much, but also for USC, as Riley… Read more »
I was somewhat flabbergasted when first seeing this article, but after reading it shows the quality of character of the coaches Coach Riley chose to bring with him.
https://soonerswire.usatoday.com/2021/12/19/oklahoma-sooners-football-dashaun-white-reggie-grimes-kennedy-brooks-marvin-mims-bob-stoops-brent-venables-oregon-ducks-valero-alamo-bowl-calvin-thibodeaux-brian-odom-jamar-cain/
That is a great sign of the integrity and character of Riley, and the people he associates with. Not that they are all angels, but he tries to surround himself with the best people available, not settling and trying to fill a open position. He assesses the whole person, and I would assume he would do that with the players he recruits.
Former USC football player arrested for alleged role in COVID fraud scheme Ryan Kartje (LA Times) — “Abdul-Malik McClain, a former football player who left USC amid a federal probe into his brother (Munir), was arrested Monday on federal fraud and identity theft charges for allegedly orchestrating a scheme to claim nearly a million dollars in fraudulent COVID-related unemployment benefits, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “McClain, who’s now enrolled at Jackson State, is charged with 10 counts of mail fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft for his alleged role in organizing and assisting a group of football players last summer… Read more »
Henley chose WSU.
That totally blows me away. A kid from Crenshaw no less. Shocker City!, at least to me.
I would think that transfers like Henley can’t roll the dice. They have to know they are starting, he has year left. It would be interesting to hear what is said to these transfers.
I can’t believe USC’s coaches wouldn’t emphasize he’d be a likely starter now based on what they observed while scouting him. With USC’s thin and very average LB ranks, that’s not even saying much. I suspect USC lost Henley to WSU for another reason/s. Why do I say that? Because USC and WSU are so different from each other, in every way possible. It’s like big-city, crowded school vs rural, country, and comparative isolation. UTAH ST’s Merlin Olsen Field has a capacity of a mere 25,000. WSU might be a much easier college transition for young Henley for many reasons.… Read more »
The reasons could be academic fit or social fit. He might want to stay out of LA. He is a one and done, so he choose what was his best fit. Amazing isn’t it? A kid from a lower tier program is better than any starting LB at SC. To be honest, it shows maturity. One thing I can say. LR is a perfect fit for SC. It is amazing how well he fits this job. The was an out of this world hire.
When LR swings and misses, I never worry. There’s always more where that came from. For instance, he can’t bring aboard world-renowned Billy B with him, so he quickly switches over to highly regarded HOU OC/OL coach Brandon Jones. Jones finally gets what he really wants out of HOU, and LR pivots again and immed steals the A&M OC/OL Josh Henson (46), obviously super-qualified and promising (and expensive!). I’m getting used to the fact there is always abundance with LR. No fear. With The Cat, there was always scarcity. Fear pervaded every inch of the program, day and night. Someone… Read more »
Allen, this post is spot on, in fact it gave some chuckles.
I have to say, after reading your mentioning Riley’s ability to pivot and make corrections, Helton has a similar ability. Soon as he wears his welcome out, he pivots to find another Sucker…you see he’s more politician than coach.
He has them eating out of his hand at GSU.
I wholeheartedly agree, but long term, I don’t see Helton succeeding at Georgia So. Initially, a few players may flock to him, but over time he will be exposed as a horrible coach. Removing his stench will be very therapeutic.
I sure hope it doesn’t take GA So as long as it took USC to realize what a complete turd Helton is as a coach. I hate to see another group of young men wasted under his coaching. On a different note, it sure seems USC has opened the cash till for the staff. That has been another pleasant surprise.
LR doesn’t have to settle for 2nd best. Thankfully he has the administrative support to swing for the fences and either make it right or be patient until the right time comes. This is a beautiful turnaround for the fanbase to behold!
I think we will see some players make bad decisions and not come to USC mainly because of the amount of time our recruiters have not had to make good contact and influence them. No need for concern, in Riley we trust.
What’s always interested me greatly about football recruiting is what different prospects/transfers actually see in different schools. As outside observers, we can’t really know how a specific school and its coaches have impacted a youngster and why. What they say often sheds not nearly as much light as we might think. In Daiyan Henley’s opinion, WSU is the school for him, not nearby USC, even with LR in charge. The way I look at it, WSU’s where he should be then. That’s where he fits. One of the things I like most about LR is that he’s always looking for… Read more »
Now with a full staff these guys are done kicking the tires and it is time to hit the road and get some recruiting done. We have new guys that have connections all over the nation.
For all we know, USC has signings right now that haven’t even been disclosed. Early January is also the time for lots of big-time announcements. It’s exciting to watch USC now, whereas before, there seemed little reason to pay attention.
Hope and anticipation have officially been restored to USC football, but that doesn’t guarantee a linear upwards path by any means. What it does guarantee is that Trojan football is gonna be a lot more fun and interesting now. Big-time talent is going to return to the McKay Center as well.
Isn’t there a recruiting dead period coming up?
Henley’s choice makes a lot more sense now:
WASHINGTON STATE’s new HFC Jake Dickert has hired NEV DC Brian Ward to be WSU’s new DC.
“Dickert and Ward’s connection goes back more than a decade, having coached together at North Dakota State in 2010 — Dickert was the safeties coach, Ward was the corners coach. That 2010 NDSU team advanced to the FCS National Quarterfinals.”
247sports.com
Yep, pretty easy choice for him.
Portal QB Rankings (13 included in Top 50 Transfer Portal players by PFN:
1. Cameron Ward, QB (Incarnate Word to TBD)
2. Casey Thompson, QB (Texas to TBD)
3. Quinn Ewers, QB (Ohio State to Texas)
7. Spencer Rattler, QB (Oklahoma to South Carolina)
11. Dillon Gabriel, QB (UCF to UCLA)
18. Kedon Slovis, QB (USC to TBD)
profootballnetwork.com
Riley’s staff so far: Defense Alex Grinch (OU) — defensive coordinator/safeties Jamar Cain (OU) — presumably defensive line Roy Manning (OU) — cornerbacks coach at OU, also coached outside linebackers Brian Odom (OU) — inside linebackers Donte Williams (USC) — role will depend on how Williams and Manning are slotted, but potentially cornerbacks Offense Josh Henson (A&M) — offensive line TBD — running backs Dave Nichol (MISS ST) — inside receivers Dennis Simmons (OU) — outside receivers Zach Hanson (TULSA) — presumably tight ends Special teams coaching is unclear. Lincoln Riley calls his own plays; two position coaches shared co-OC… Read more »
Riley has a monster growing in L.A.
Ari Wasserman (The Athletic) — “USC’s 2023 class already has a spot in the top five reserved. Yes, five-star quarterback Malachi Nelson and five-star athlete Makai Lemon — teammates at Los Alamitos (Calif.) High — are already committed. Don’t forget, New signee/S Zion Branch’s younger brother, Zachariah, is a five-star receiver in 2023, too. Riley has a monster growing in L.A. We just need to wait until next year’s class to see its full potential.
theathletic.com
The 50 greatest college football bowl games: Vince Young’s heroics, Boise State’s miracle, BYU’s Hail Mary and more — Matt Brown (The Athletic) 1. Rose Bowl (Jan. 4, 2006): Texas 41, USC 38 It’s the greatest college football game, period. Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and a USC team labeled by some as greatest ever were upended by Vince Young and Texas in an all-time great individual performance that came down to Young running it in for the winning touchdown on fourth-and-goal, with Keith Jackson making his final call. Iconic players, a great game from start to finish and one of… Read more »
What happened in the 2017 Rose Bowl will always be the absolute most exciting on the edge of your seat game I have ever watched. Thanks Sam.
Ya, it was my favorite Rose Bowl of all time, but I wasn’t there. I was lucky enough to actually be at the Jan. 1, 1975, 18-17 win. But the 2017 52-49 Darnold win was a pure shot of adrenalin which proved to be a mirage, a false hope moment. And speaking of Darnold, I still have high hopes he can make it in the NFL once rehabbed. I figure he’s got one more shot before the League gives up on him. But the 1963 42-37 victory in the dark may be the most important to me. That’s the game… Read more »
You know, that is one thing positive I can say about the Clay Helton era, and that was the occasional late-game heroics when the players just said, “no, I am not going to let all this buffoonery keep me from winning this game.” And some wins were had after, by the fourth quarter, we had no business winning. Those games were a joy! Too bad they had to be balanced out by losing so many games we should have easily won. But we move on!
When it comes to the term “move on”, I always picture in my mind a person turning around and walking away. Not so at USC. I now picture someone getting into a Ferarri and hauling ass away. How refreshing.
New Trojan OC/OL coach Josh Henson has extensive OL experience at OKS and MO, as well as prior coordinator experience. 12thman.com — “Josh Henson is in his third season overseeing the Texas A&M offensive line after spending three seasons at his alma mater, Oklahoma State. Henson adds another national championship resume to Jimbo Fisher’s coaching staff. “Recognized twice as one of the nation’s top 25 recruiters, the 20-year coaching veteran served coaching stints under Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State, Les Miles at Oklahoma State and LSU and Gary Pinkel at Missouri. Henson was a part of LSU’s 2007 national championship… Read more »
Quite a resume. He even looks like a lineman. Again, Riley shows he knows what he is doing. This is so different from the Helton regime. Still pulling for the return of our special teams coach.
Lincoln Riley just snaps his fingers, and things seem to happen. Even if a sudden “redirect” is required, I get the impression he moves on to the next alternative quickly and efficiently.
He seems to follow John Wooden’s ‘Be Quick, but Don’t Hurry’.
Greg Biggins (USCFootball.com) — Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman JR WR Zachariah Branch will make a Christmas Eve commitment and will announce his decision this week on CBSSports HQ. Branch is set to commit on Dec 24 at 1:00 (PST). He has a final four of ALA, OHIO ST, OU and USC. USC– “I’ve been to USC a number of times since before I even got to high school. I have a strong comfort level there and already know the new staff with Lincoln Riley and Dennis Simmons because they were recruiting me at Oklahoma. My brother (just signed Zion) being over… Read more »
Whose fans were more upset?
Vol fans outraged over Lane Kiffin, or Sooner fans over Lincoln Riley? I didn’t see any OU fans burning mattresses as I did when Lane bolted Knoxville.
How about adding Notre Dame Fans over Brian Kelly? He bolted a team ranked #5, just missed the playoffs. I’d wanna burn more than mattresses if I was a Domer fan.
The truth is, a lot of Domer fans aren’t unhappy he’s gone. Not at all. He always had some bizarre negatives, even though he was a pretty big winner in South Bend. He couldn’t win the biggest games, and often lost those in horrendously memorable fashion.
Seems the PAC-12 conference wants to create a Council of former star athletes to recommend ways in promoting its football conference. There must be either a developing inferiority complex or a publicity ploy behind this, or both. It would be fitting if this Council simply suggested: you have to invest the money in developing a football program to make it work well enough to get an expected return in money from fan & business support. But I don’t think a good number of the Universities want to hear this. Better idea still, suggest USC, UCLA, Oregon & Washington leave the… Read more »
Jamaica, most of the time we agree. This time we do not. SC being in a weak conference is exactly what we want. We do not need to schedule out of conference patsies. Our conference is full of them! Being able to dominant will give SC yearly access to the CFP, which is exactly what we are seeking. And, I do not see UCLA being able to compete with SC in football. They simply lack the funding and legacy to do so. I doubt Lincoln Riley goes under .500 for Years 1, 2 and 3 and in Year 4 goes… Read more »
Correct me if I am wrong. The reason Alabama and now Georgia stay competitive year after year is because they are pushed to being in the tough SEC. That attracts the best recruits. There are few gimmies in that conference. Playing a bunch of patsies might get you easy conference championships alright but will it prepare you being battle tested playing other playoff teams who had to really tough it out to get there? I don’t believe you or I have ever seen this football conference so pitiful as it is today. That’s all I’m talking about here.
In the glamorous picture of the CFB power houses, the SEC looks the strongest, when looking a little closer, there’s a different picture. First you have to keep in mind they get to schedule 4 OOC games when looking at several in the standings at 6-7-8 wins teams you can see they almost always win those games so, of an 8 win season 4 were cup cakes, and this is done by all the SC teams. The majority of SEC teams are not elite or powerhouses. When reviewing the conference wins, you have a completely different picture. There generally 4… Read more »
If university presidents care about women’s sports and Olympic sports then they will want to invest in football. The more profit football makes the more money can go to nonrevenue sports. Nick Saban at $10 million/yr generates $45 million/yr. That means paying top dollar for head coaches. As we are seeing, top coaches bring in top players and that will brings wins. Winning will bring NIL which will bring even better talent. USC can do that in LA, Washington can do that in Seattle and Oregon can do that with Nike. I don’t thing UCLA has the mind set to… Read more »
Dan Weber again nails it.
https://247sports.com/college/usc/Article/Dan-Weber-Time-some-new-ways-look-at-numbers-USC-Trojans-fans-college-football-178823038/
The recruiting rankings seem too skewed to the number of commits over the quality. I haven’t done the math but signing 20 3 star guys probably rates as a better class than 10 4 and 5 star guys. SDSU ranks 65 signing 14 3 star guys, USC ranks 70 with 2 each 5,4,3 star guys.
Pure quantity has always been an over-emphasized factor in recruiting rankings. While publishing SuperPrep, I tried to de-emphasize it, but I still messed up on a lot of rankings by over-emphasizing big names (who didn’t turn out). It’s a tough racket.
Riley sure is putting together a good staff. Also, he must have some pretty good purse strings to pull. Glad to see Bohn convinced the administration that this was needed.
Lincoln Riley, Superstar.
Good news of one sort or another seems to trickle in every single day with LR at the helm. This guy’s on a mission, and only 38 years old. What a godsend for USC football. This is all turning out so well, it’s just hard to imagine what dilapidated state USC football had really turned into before LR arrived.
Yes, to a degree you are correct, that of USC capturing Lincoln Riley. He is going to be a success, I predict, even more grand than Pete’s run at SC.
Riley, as you say, is on a mission with a vision and a plan to achieve it. Riley’s mission is to prove himself…To himself.
We, all Alums and fans just get to go along for the ride.
Addendum:
Don’t think for a moment that Riley’s choice, that of leaving OU for USC didn’t rattle and infuriate Stoops, the School that Gave Stoops one the most humiliating defeats in OU football history….all the smiles and pleasant words on the surface by Stoops only hide a real animosity between the two.
I don’t see the animosity as under the covers at all. It’s been very obvious from the moment LR coldly deserted OU. Stoops deserves some credit though, for greasing the skids for LR to USC by initially agreeing to coach the Sooners in their bowl game.
Perhaps you don’t, but its there!
So you state and obviously feel Riley ‘COLDLY DESERTED’ is that so?
Stoops…deserving anthing? It was the only viable option OU had going into a bowl game to maintain some continuity on the team hoping for a win.
You misread me. I said the animosity is not under the covers. as you suggested. That animosity has been very obvious from the moment LR bolted, and certainly not all smiles.
Allen, Remember our debate. I predicted Folt would win her battle to turn SC football into Vandy football. And, she did. You predicted that if she won the battle, she would lose the war. Turns out, you were absolutely correct. Clay had destroyed SC football. Imagine a competent coach saying that he has to replace basically a 3 deep on O and D. Thank God for the transfer portal. SC football is in far worse shape now than when PC took over. I really think the team will be competitive in Year 2. I just do not see how it… Read more »
I said as soon as LR was hired, that USC football won out over Carol Folt. The amazing history of Trojan football eventually and absolutely stared down Folt and she caved to one of the greatest traditions in CFB. Nice try Folt. USC football showed you who was boss, as I predicted. I think USC football can be really good in year two under LR. This huge makeover is exactly what the doctor ordered. LR’s second recruiting class will be phenomenal. He’s already bringing in new talent that The Cat either simply couldn’t recruit, didn’t know existed, or didn’t know… Read more »
I feel the Folt war and disassociation with Alum Clubs and fan push back (Air plane and Banner) along with diminishing revenue in all sports piqued the attention of the brighter bulbs at the High Table, those with true business acumen and wealth accumulation which was over the heads of the typical Academic types mutual admiration society. I also believe Bohn and Sosna sidestepped Folt and took their case to Caruso and explained how the CFB paradigm has changed by showing Caruso how the big football schools are making such huge amounts of money and if played correctly, would exponentially… Read more »
Alfa, Allen and I debated this issue. Turns out, we both got it right. I said that Folt wanted to turn SC football into Vandy football. Her conduct for her first two years were totally consistent with my read of her intentions. And, she won that battle. By keeping Clay Helton, she succeeded in turning SC football into Vandy football. But Allen also got it right. He said, she will win the battle but she will lose the war. And, she did. Turning SC football into Vandy football had to be a major disaster financially (my guess is it was… Read more »
Alfa, Allen and TrojanRJJ, you guys are amazing. How is it you can read Carol Folts mind? You know that she came to USC to destroy football? All I see she has done is taking 2 years to clean house not just the Athletic Department but the whole university. I don’t know much about the Regional Alum Clubs but I would bet there was a lot of cleaning up to do there as well. USC football and the whole university is better off than 3 years ago. She had to have something to do with that. Oh well she seems… Read more »
Sorry GT, but nobody ever said that Carol Folt came to USC to “destroy football”. Not me at least, so please try to keep your facts straight GT. Those are your words, not mine. I also never said she should be the target of “all that’s wrong at USC.” Again, your words, not mine. That’s frankly ridiculous and silly. I said she didn’t have a clue about the true importance of USC football when she arrived, or what to do with it, and she clearly didn’t. Feel free to trumpet her so-called greatness as you frequently do. I’m glad USC… Read more »
So in the end we can all say that Trojan football will succeed in spite of Carol Folt. When tradition runs so deep one person is not going to destroy it, maybe hamper it, but in the end she is not the one big enough to destroy it
I figure Lincoln Riley will put together some of the all-time greatest wins in USC history.
Of course, teams don’t look nor play like Howard Jones’ Thundering Herd of the ’30s. Thankfully, this new era of Trojan football in this frantically changing CFB environment begins with LR, who was always keenly aware of what USC’s greatness was like in the past, and what it could again be in the future.
Easy big guy, I directed my comment not just to you but also Alfa and TrojanRJJ. You voice frustration that it took 2 years of pain to get LR. Others think she has an agenda to destroy USC traditions. My point is when some of us act like they know what she is thinking. I have no idea what she is thinking or if she is great at her job or not. I’m just cutting her some slack is all. Caruso hired her to fix a big mess. I’m sure she stepped on some toes in the process. Those things… Read more »
Okay, big guy. You included me and you ridiculously misrepresented me. That’s definitely not all good. My point stands. Please don’t put your words in my mouth anymore, regardless of what I ever say here about Carol Folt , or anyone else, in the future. Thanks, and Merry Christmas/Happy New Year GT!
Allen, sorry if I came off too flippant. I had no intention to misrepresent or offend. I am sorry for that and apologize. I will try to do better in the future. I have respect and appreciation for what you and John do here. You keep the nastiness well policed. It is a joy to come here and talk USC football. The last thing I want to do is personally insult you, John or anyone else here. Again, I apologize.
Hey, you’re one of our best posters GT. Always have been.
I’m very glad you have always demonstrated respect for our TDB. By policing each other, being civil, informed, factual whenever possible, passionate, and opinionated all in the same breath, we can hopefully even further enjoy what USC football, and in some cases the school in general, has come to mean to all of us.
Thanks again GT. 🎅
Love your last sentence, Allen.
foltie, or Little Mao, as I think of her; is a cancer on the Tradition of USC. I pray she leaves us every day.
On the Monday before Christmas the sports page wasn’t as good as the comics. Covid has shuttered the Trojans basketball team for what looks to be two weeks and the Bruins are happy just to be in a bowl game in eight days. I found myself drifting towards an article about Tiger Woods and his son. All I could think about was a quarterback named Todd and his father. I hope that Tiger isn’t a Marv. One thing that keeps popping out is the number of players being asked to move on. It reminded me of a story grandpa (who… Read more »
Just Breaking News — I’ve just been told OL coach Brandon Jones has backed out of the USC job and is headed back to HOU. Supposedly, the A&M OL coach, Josh Henson, is taking the USC OL coaching job instead.
I don’t understand this rumor, if true, at all. It makes no sense unless either Jones got cold feet for this gig or, Riley found out he could get Josh Henson from an SEC school and made the switch?
Still think we are light years ahead of where we were with Helton, but 2 coaches backing out on the offensive side is not a good look.
There could be other reasons the Jones hire didn’t happen. We now know the Bedenbaugh hire collapsed because of Bedenbaugh’s loyalty to Stoops who hired him originally and was further complicated by his wife being a native of Oklahoma with two young children who didn’t want to relocate. Jones has worked and played with Klingsbury, Riley and Harrell, so he has a real grasp on what they do, no doubt Holgorsen convinced him they have something good going at University of Houston (and a bump in pay) which they do, with a move to the BIG12 coming up, couple that… Read more »
Up on Scoop also.
I believe it’s a done deal this time !
Hasn’t been made clear yet if he is going to hang around for the ATM bowl game on the 31st or coming in now.
That is a good hire, he will have some Texas and other south east connections for recruiting. I do believe Riley is qualifying his staff on how well they recruit as well as coach. Wow, what a change in the program that will make.
You’re correct Steve..
I remember watching an interview with Kirby Smart a while back, he mentioned that his assistants, besides being very good as position coaches,
“If they weren’t good recruiters” he didn’t want them”
I believe Riley is of the same mind set.
My source on the USC OL hire situation has always been right on. He’s the one who first told me, right off the bat and before it had even been hinted at anywhere else, that Bedenbaugh would never be coming to USC because of his Oklahoma wife, plain and simple. Then last night, the same source suddenly called me completely out of the blue about 7:30 pm, with the shocking news that Brandon Jones was out, and A&M’s Josh Henson was now suddenly in as the new USC OL coach. I almost didn’t even post that development here on the… Read more »
B/R — Bo Nix Transferring to Oregon
Former AUB QB announces transfer to ORE after throwing for 39 TDs, 7200+ yds in 3 seasons for the Tigers.
bleacherreport.com
He should be a big improvement over the present Qb. I believe their Qb play is a big reason they flopped this season.
Chris Trevino (247Sports) — Lincoln Riley continues to work the NCAA Transfer Portal, offering AKRON WR Konata Mumpfield (6-1, 180) on Sunday.
Mumpfield, who entered the portal on Dec. 7, has posted offers from Kentucky, LSU, Houston, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Georgia Tech, Indiana, UCF, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Utah, Vanderbilt, and Minnesota.
247sports.com
Hope we aren’t slipping into the CAT pattern of “USC has never met a wide-out that it didn’t want” at the expense of our O-line and D-line players…. I’m just saying. 🤔
I’m not buying that concern for a second.
Everyone knows that bringing in good OL and DLs is a lot harder than WRs, especially for schools in the west where the pickings are much slimmer.
Since LR knows about 100X more about 2021 on-the-ground recruiting and roster-building than you and I combined, I wouldn’t go around comparing him to Clay Helton, or his tactics. Sorry. That just doesn’t work.
I am with you 100%. But we are so used to our team being run so poorly, it’s the knee jerk reaction.
I hope we get the tackle from Virginia. I think he could plug right in on either side. Voorhies has one spot locked in, I would assume.
I clearly trust LR more than some others. I just do.
The last thing I’m worried about with him is rebuilding and roster management. It’s very hard for me to worry about things I believe he’s already proven beyond any doubt that he knows exactly what he’s doing.
He’s also repeatedly said that this USC total rebuild will take time, patience, and restraint. I don’t know how he could have possibly been more clear about that, while on his way to possibly bringing in as many as 35 new players.
I agree. I’m also pretty hopeful for this coming year. Utah State and Mich St are two teams who used portal exceptionally to rebuild teams quickly. I think Riley will certainly get us winning again. As I said once before, I think 9 or 10 wins is possible. I think the floor is 8 wins.
I don’t know what I did there?
Looks like you found a new talent Chris.
So you’re going to hold Riley to a higher standard than Pete’s first season ?
I see the big problem is that it seems a LOT more teams are working the portal now and there just are not that many O linemen much better than what we already have. Not sure what LR is looking for but I will let him be the judge.
this is fun stuff. Here we are genuinely talking hope for football after the worst season I can remember.
I’m good with saying I hope you are right, Allen. We all have Cat-induced PTSD from the last few years of being fans of Trojan Football.
Just in case you haven’t heard, 4-star WR C.J. Williams (6-2, 193) from Mater Dei, who recommitted from ND, will choose between USC and UCLA and announce the victor on Jan. 8 at the All-American Bowl on NBC, 12 PT.
Pat Haden finally gets some props. He hired young hotshot Andy Enfield on 4/1/13.
The broken clock is…….🕓
I remember I was initially really pleased with the hire. Now, eight years later, USC’s a top 15 hoops program, at least for the time being. People actually expect something from USC basketball now. That’s new, for sure.
Interesting that Enfield re-upped a long time ago, and the news just leaked out now. Bohn does some things very well, quietly.
Just like football, recruiting is lifeblood of success. Enfield is a great recruiter and deserves extension. Glad Bohn locked him up.
247Sports class of 2022 current rankings of Pac-12, plus ND:
7. ND (21 signees)
15. STAN (22)
24. ARIZ (21, Definitely the surprise of the Pac-12)
34. UTAH (18)
45. UCLA (12)
46. ORE (11)
48. CU (20)
50. ORE ST (15)
57. CAL (13)
70. USC (7)
74. WSU (11)
86. ASU (8)
101. UW (5)
Wow. Lions lead Cardinals 17-0 at half. Nice over-the-shoulder TD reception by Amon-Ra St. Brown early.
As we all know, DE/OLB Drake Jackson said prior to the season that he planned to enter the 2022 draft.
Does anyone here hold out any hope whatsoever that Jackson (2nd team All-Pac-12 LB) might stick with USC another year? He sure could use it.
It always amazes me how many guys opt for a premature draft when they could still improve their stock so much.
It would be amazing if he did come back. Funny he has no bowl game to worry about or opt out of yet he still has not announced his going into the draft yet. I hold out hope.
He was up and down this year. Made some plays and then would go silent for long stretches. I also hated seeing him way down field covering backs or tight ends while TO blitzed a DB. It never worked.
His blitzes were so well telegraphed and repetitive teams knew right where to go with the ball, into the vacated area where the blitz came from.
USC-OKS men’s basketball game set for Tues is canceled due to COVID-19 cases within USC.
USC is shutting down team activities as it deals with a COVID-19 outbreak.
ocregister.com
I always ask myself and rarely get an answer, is anyone actually sick or did they just get a positive test? These lock downs and lock outs are getting ridiculous considering the new variants are getting less and less virulent though more contagious. After a little over 2 years the Spanish Flu became a standard flu. That’s what viruses do over time get less deadly but more contagious. Viruses are designed to spread and can’t do that if they kill the host. Let’s get on with our lives already! This team is on a roll, don’t stop them now!
Amen GT. This panic porn needs to stop. It’s a virus, it won’t just go away. Learn to live with it, and move on. Too many people willing to cede all of the freedoms, just so they can feel ” safe”.
But certain politicians just can let go of the power.
USC is waiting on Nevada Portal Transfer LB Daiyan Henley (6-2, 225; originally from L.A. Crenshaw and recruited by USC as a walk-on; leaving because HC Jay Norvell took the CSU job; one season left) to announce his decision on Monday. Henley seems like an absolute USC lock.
The more I read about Henley, the more I think he’ll be a big-time pick-up for USC. He seems like the type of fit USC is looking for in LR’s new culture.
Can not recall the sports fan in me being in this GOOD of a mood in quite a while …….#1 USC hires Lincoln Riley …….# 2 My baseball team announced today they hired Buck Showalter and oh yea my NFL Team is the Indianapolis Colts (and some Running Back from Wisconsin ) …..But deepest in my Heart ????? ….I will simply say …….FIGHT ON !!!!!
Sorry Hof, the Muts just like the Padres, Chargers and Clippers, they will just break your heart. But hey, you can dream of better days. Wish you and the Mets all the best.
ORE ST (beat USC 45-27) looks like it’s going down to UTAH ST in the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl. The Aggies lead 24-13 with 4:30 to go, and have the ball, 1st and 10, at the ORE ST 40.
Lincoln’s licking his chops.
This looks nothing like the OSU team that dominated USC. What gives? Are they just not into their bowl game? Was USC that bad? Is the MW that much better than the Pac12? Mind blowing for sure.
USC was mind blowing bad.
I still can’t believe the horrible 2021 STAN team whipped Clay Helton 42-28.
Yet that was the day that brought Trojan football back to life. Even Folt/Caruso/Bohn couldn’t stand it anymore. Bye, bye Clay. So sweet! Just a wonderful day when I heard Clay was officially a goner. ✌😎
I clearly remember the moment I heard The Cat was fired. I was sitting at a breakfast table in a condo in Waikiki. Oh the joy! It’ll probably live on in my mind like Sept 11, man on the moon, etc.
What a great place to get the good news. I’ll take some macadamia nut pancakes and a glass of Champagne, thank you.
Like so many bowl games, one team has a chip with something to prove and another just showing up for the fun.
You can look at it that way. I shake my head seeing another PAC-12 team losing to a MWC team or worse. Or seeing a 2nd place PAC-12 team lose to a 4th place Big 12 or Big 10 team. This is becoming a consistently annual happening. I’d be damn embarrassed if I was the PAC-12 commissioner. Or that’s right, he’s only about the money too.
I don’t think Steele was all that bad. ITS was really bad, Pola Mao was too. I have no idea how Steele will do, but he is physical and can run. I don’t think he would be leaving if his NFL eval was poor.
Actually, tremendous numbers of CFB players go into the draft with mediocre evals, don’t even get drafted, and have to be free agents. USC also has a fair amount of these guys.
I will be surprised if he is drafted. I believe he was more afraid of not starting in his senior year.
I don’t think Steele is a loss at all. USC needs a different type of player going forward.
Guys like Talanoa Hufanga are my cup of tea, and Steele has always been in a clearly inferior league to that, in every respect as a player.
That’s a pretty tough standard. Win PAC 12 DPOY. We get a Hufanga about once every 5-10 years.
Lots of USC DBs have been vastly superior to the very average, often disappointing, and always over-rated Steele. Obviously, Hufanga’s simply a very recent and glaring example.
Agreed
If Riley lost his RB coach, I consider that a loss, but in the end all things turn out for the best and we have one of the best head coaches in the nation. I love this guy’s need for speed at all positions. That says championship to me.
Steele is a knucklehead, with an inflated opinion of his play. Seriously doubt he gets drafted before the 5-6th round. We might be better off without him.
Let the purge continue.
Agree. Over-rated prepster who never developed much at USC. I certainly wish him the best. He is a Trojan after all, and presumably did his best with what he had. But in the Lincoln Riley era, USC can do a lot better than Steele, a 3rd-day guy at best, who won’t last IMO.
This year, Steele made Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 along with USC’s P Ben Griffiths, R-Jr.; RB Keaontay Ingram, Sr.; LB Kana’i Mauga, Sr.; OL Brett Neilon, R-Sr. and OL Andrew Vorhees, R-Sr.
I always looked at Steele as “Grabby 2”. Played to his potential but did not exceed expectations just like Grabby did.
Iman Marshall has suffered two torn ACLs with the Baltimore Ravens since being drafted in the 4th round in 2019. I’d say Steele would be lucky to go that high, but maybe he’ll get lucky.
Just another grabby player who continually got beat.
As expected, Chris Steele has declared for the NFL Draft.
“These past 3 seasons at USC have been some of the best times of my life,” Steele announced. “After much thought and prayer, I have decided to forego my senior season and declare for the 2022 NFL draft.”
According to The Oklahoman, new Sooner OC Jeff Lebby has agreed to a three-year, $5.7 million deal.
Lebby will make $1.8 mil in year one, $1.9 mil in year two, and join the $2 mil coordinator club in year three.
Lebby was reportedly making about $1.2 mil yearly at OLE MISS under Lane Kiffin.