LOOK: USC legend sounds off on jersey number, calls out pair of USC players

Former USC star wide receiver Mike Williams voiced some frustration on social media Thursday regarding how he believes jersey numbers should be distributed inside the Trojans program. Williams believes the only players to wear the No. 1 jersey should be an All-American.

@USC_FB Only an All American should wear the #1. Fight On ✌🏾

— Mike Williams Sr (@CoachLikeMike) March 23, 2022

Gary Bryant Jr. (WR) and Domani Jackson (DB) are the two Trojans who are set to don the number this upcoming season and neither are NCAA All-Americans — much to the dismay of Williams, who wore the jersey number for the 2002 and 2003 seasons in Los Angeles.

Both athletes were All-Americans in high school, as both notched top-50 ratings in their respective classes, per the On3 Composite rankings. That doesn’t seem good enough for Williams, though.

Williams compiled 176 receptions for 2,579 yards and 30 touchdowns during his two seasons with USC. His first season in LA saw Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer throwing him darts down the field, while the second saw Matt Leinart under center. Stats certainly look better when you have two program greats throwing you the ball your entire college career and Williams earned All-American status for it.

Lincoln Riley discusses how Caleb Williams has responded since arriving to campus

Lincoln Riley is counting on Caleb Williams to be a leader for USC football in 2022. With the Trojans beginning their spring practice Tuesday, Riley took the opportunity to evaluate his quarterback and how he fits in with his new team. 

“Caleb’s got a good way about him,” Riley said in an interview after Tuesday’s practice.“He’s one of those guys that can walk into a room of people he doesn’t know and he’s kind of a chameleon. He can fit in at any place. Now that he’s played some ball, he’s been through it and wanted to come here and establish himself as a leader. We’ve had a number of guys step up as far as who can lead the charge from the players’ side, and he’s one of them.”