Gino Quinones calls himself a cheat code

USC offensive lineman Gino Quinones believes he brings a particular set of skills to the table as a member of the team’s offensive line.

When asked about what he developed the most upon during the offseason, Quinones mentioned the physical aspects of playing on the offensive line. But he thinks it is the mental aspect of the sport that he still thrives in the most.

“My technique for sure,” Quinones said. “I love seeing the defensive rotation. I felt like I’m a cheat code sometimes — I don’t know. Like just playing defense and then coming over here, I just see the rotations easy. Now just perfecting my technique, being on the offensive line is all about being technician. That’s really what I focused on and I can’t wait to show it.”

Quinones — who according to the USC website is the “the first Trojan letterman with a last name starting with ‘Q.'” — has played in 19 games during his first four seasons with the Trojans, mostly in a reserve offensive lineman and special teams role. He has made two starts in his career so far, one start at right guard and one start at left guard.

One of those starts came in the Cotton Bowl, which USC lost in a thriller to Tulane by one point on Jan. 2.

Quinones is hoping to win a starting spot for the team at left guard, where he is battling with Emmanuel Pregnon. Pregnon is a transfer from Wyoming.

Lincoln Riley says team has different feel to it in 2023

With USC starting it season a week earlier than usual with a Week 0 game, the Trojans will kickoff the season this weekend against San Jose State.

Head coach Lincoln Riley said there is already a different feel to the team this year than last year. Last year’s team was no slouch either, winning 11 games and being led by Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.

“Camp was a lot of fun. It’s been very unique with the Week 0 game, right? That changes a lot in our world,” Riley said in an episode of ‘Trojans Live’ on Tuesday. “I mean, literally, 75% of camp was done with our guys still in class, which was a little unique. We’ve got our first day of game week here and also our first day of class at the same time. The calendars and body clocks are a little bit different there.”