Lincoln Riley breaks down USC's plans for redshirting players

The USC Trojans have depended on the contribution of several true freshmen in Lincoln Riley’s first season, with three already burning their redshirt through Week 9. Ahead of the game versus Arizona on Saturday, Riley discussed what the team’s plan and philosophy is toward redshirting players.

“That’s a decision that us and the kid, everybody has to make,” Riley said. “In the past, with redshirts available and even a handful of guys on the team they still have a COVID year available, we’ve always been of the mindset that unless you’re just not going to play any, that if you’re healthy and you’ve earned an opportunity get on the field, that you’d be crazy not to take that opportunity. Guys get five years. This game is so physical, so tough that if there’s any doubt, we’ve encouraged guys to play and get better.

“Every situation is different. Guys have a different amount of eligibility left, and different roles, potential roles, there’s so much to it. You have to add it all up at the end.”

In NCAA DI football, players can participate in up to four games in a season before they are no longer eligible for a redshirt. Several years ago, the league also allowed non-freshmen to take a redshirt to preserve their eligibility when the time is appropriate for them.

“We’ve certainly encouraged guys that if it’s close, to think about playing because you never know, you never know if all of the sudden you’re body next season isn’t healthy enough to do it and then you’ve burned a redshirt already,” Riley added. “The four-game rule has been a good thing for college football but if you’re good enough to play more than four games, for the most part, they should play.”

USC freshmen near redshirt limit

TCU transfer Earl Barquet could burn his redshirt on Saturday versus Arizona. He has played in four games so far this season, however, he didn’t appear in the last games versus Washington State and Utah.

Wideout CJ Williams, running back Raleek Brown and punter Aadyn Sleep-Dalton have each played in more than four games and therefore, will not be able to redshirt the 2022 season.

Of all the USC freshmen, only three have yet to hit the participation reports. Defensive lineman Devan Thompkins, safety Zion Branch and linebacker Garrison Madden still have all four games available to them before their redshirts are jeopardized.