Lincoln Riley praises Tahj Washington, Gary Bryant Jr for growth within offense

Lincoln Riley loaded up the USC offense with transfer portal additions this offseason, but he also inherited quite a bit of talent from last season’s roster.

Receivers Tahj Washington and Gary Bryant Jr. are two returning Trojans hoping their contributions from the past season will carry over into 2022. Although they face additional competition to start this year, the pair has still stood out in fall camp to their coach.

“I’ve been excited with them,” Riley said Tuesday. “Got to watch them a little bit last year. Was familiar with both those guys when they came out. They both have very unique skillsets that translate well to what we do offensively. Those guys were used primarily outside previously, but we’ll probably end up moving those guys around a little bit (and) take advantage of their skillset maybe in a little bit different way. Those two are really competing hard. Some of the sets for us, they’re in the same group.”

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

Washington is USC’s leading returning receiver with 54 catches for 602 yards and a touchdown. Bryant was not far behind with 44 catches, 579 yards and seven scores of his own. He was also the leading kick and punt returner.

Although in any other year that would seem to guarantee a starting role, this is no ordinary season. The Trojans added last year’s Biletnikoff winner Jordan Addison, as well as Oklahoma transfer Mario Williams and Washington transfer Brenden Rice. They also have a new quarterback in Oklahoma transfer Caleb Williams.

With so much change at USC, reps are up for grabs to anyone who proves themselves. Thankfully for Washington and Bryant, Lincoln Riley said both have progressed within the new offense. That combined with their experience should help them find a way to contribute.

“You’ve got two experienced players, two explosive players who both want to play,” Riley said. “The other thing for those guys is they both factor in heavily on our special teams. So I’m pleased with their progress. They both had specific things coming out of spring that they needed to work on. Tahj, his consistency. Gary, his physicality. I think both here this fall camp have taken some good steps in the right direction.”

USC is scheduled to kick off the Riley era on Sept. 3 against Rice.