Kedon Slovis, Graham Harrell on USC receiver chemistry, depth

The USC Trojans, led by quarterback Kedon Slovis and offensive coordinator Graham Harrell, have big aspirations following their rollercoaster of a season in 2020. While the Trojans only suffered one loss, it came at the most in-opportune time – the Pac-12 Championship Game.

Now, Slovis is back to try his hand at leading Clay Helton’s team to glory. With the Pac-12 wide open, Slovis is focusing on the chemistry with his receivers, so the offense can hum.

“We have a lot of talent but there’s so much nuance within this offense that you can see some guys picking up on it. Some guys doing it naturally, some guys doing some things naturally and having difficulties with other things,” said Slovis, via the team’s YouTube channel. “I’m just really proud of the guys and how they’ve attacked it.”

In addition, Slovis mentions that working with his receivers one-on-one helps them develop a stronger rapport. This summer, he’s been doing everything from working on fades, to simple conversation with players like Drake London and Tahj Washington.

“Drake and I were just working on the fade ball and we were just talking about where I’m trying to throw the ball . . . where I expect him to be. That’s a conversation you don’t necessarily have with your coaches because you’re focused on so many other things,” Slovis said. “But he gets it from your perspective and you understand from his.

“There’s times I pull Tahj (Washington) aside and say, ‘What do you think about this?’ or ‘When you did this, I really liked it. That helps me out.’ So I think just those small conversations, one-on-one help.”

Indeed, the chemistry Slovis is attempting to harness with his receivers will go a long way for USC. In addition, it can also help the Trojans’ quarterback, as he tries to throw his name into the hat for honors like the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award and the number one selection in the NFL Draft.

Graham Harrell on USC’s WR depth behind Drake London

In addition to Kedon Slovis, Graham Harrell is excited about the Trojans’ wide receivers. Especially Drake London. The USC’s offensive coordinator knows that London is his best receiver, heck, he may be the best receiver in all of college football. 

Still, Harrell sees boundless potential in the young group of players joining him in the Trojans’ receiving corps.

“It seems like every day a different guy has a good day. That, to me, that’s what competition does,” said Harrell. “When you have a lot of guys that try and get on the football field and a lot of talented players it makes the other guys better. 

“We have a lot of guys playing hard, doing some good things. A lot of guys, this is still the first year or two thought that they’re in that group. So I think that it’s going to be real important to get reps and get practice and get those guys comfortable and there’s no hesitation. “

Moreover, Harrell states that USC will emphasize giving opportunities. The reason being to keep their receivers fresh when the season rolls around.

“When it’s that close probably in games we’ll sub a lot more and keep guys fresh and give a lot of guys opportunities. Like I said, when you’re fresh that’s when you’re at your best so that’s a good issue.”

As the Trojans attempt to avenge their loss in last season’s Pac-12 Championship, the team’s offense will need to click. Luckily, it seems as if Kedon Slovis and Graham Harrell are big believers in their play-makers.

Image courtesy of Meg Oliphant / Getty Images