Lincoln Riley names transfer arrivals who have become leaders

Lincoln Riley has brought in a talented group of transfers to USC for the second straight season. The Trojans signed the No. 3 transfer class in the country according to On3’s Team Rankings, featuring several players who will contribute right away.

USC began its spring practice on Saturday, giving Riley a chance to see some of those players in action for the first time as Trojans. Although it’s been a small sample size to this point, he identified several new faces who have stood out as potential leaders early.

“We’ve got several guys that have some potential and that we’ve already seen some cool moments from with the team,” Riley said. “Mason Cobb comes to mind as a guy that’s starting to assert himself in that way a lot like Shane (Lee) certainly has for us. Jack Sullivan certainly has some leadership potential there. Christian Roland-Wallace for sure. Have seen some of that.

“(Dorian) Singer‘s a little bit more quiet, but he certainly leads by example. He’s a very hard worker. We’ve been very impressed with his demeanor. I’d say a little bit of the same for Marshawn Lloyd. He’s got some leadership qualities. Very, very hard worker. It’s been a good group. It really has. (Michael) Tarquin‘s done a nice job. Jarrett Kingston‘s done a nice job.”

Of the players Riley mentioned, Singer comes in the highest rated as the No. 9 overall transfer according to On3’s Transfer Player Rankings. The receiver is coming off of a 1,000-yard season last year at Arizona and gives reigning Heisman winner Caleb Williams another weapon.

Kingston, the No. 54 overall transfer, brings two years of starting experience on the offensive line at Washington State. A former Oklahoma State linebacker, Cobb led the Cowboys with 96 tackles and 13 tackles for loss last season as he earned second team All-Big 12 honors.

Last season, transfer players such as running back Travis Dye, receiver Jordan Addison and linebacker Shane Lee stepped in to make an impact. Lee is back this season, but Dye and Addison have since moved on to the NFL. With that in mind, Lincoln Riley will be counting on transfers such as Singer and Lloyd, a former South Carolina running back who led the Gamecocks with 573 yards rushing and nine touchdowns, to fill the void.

“It’s two years in a row that, at least early on, we’re pleased with,” Riley said. “I mean, we’ve seen two days on the field. We haven’t been in pads yet. So obviously, we’ll continue to learn more about them as players. But how they’ve handled the offseason, their demeanor. Wanting to fit into this culture. Wanting to win a championship. The team-first mantra here. These guys have fit into that very well. And not a surprise.

“We were very up front with these guys throughout the process. If that didn’t quite fit for them, it wasn’t gonna be the right spot. These guys have been men of their words up to this point. Been very, very pleased with the new guys and how they’ve acclimated within our program and their new teammates.”

As spring practice continues, these transfer players will have an opportunity to separate themselves heading into the season. USC is set to conclude spring practice with its annual spring game on April 15.