Lincoln Riley details growth of Malachi Nelson

Malachi Nelson saw a lot of growth in the USC program since the spring sessions, according to head coach Lincoln Riley.

Nelson was a heralded prospect, a five star in the Class of 2023. He could step in as the starter next season if it all breaks right.

He had up and down practices during spring, but Riley revealed the young gun dealt with some injuries but is in a much better spot.

“Much, much better,” Riley said of his quarterback’s progress. “He was not super healthy during the spring. So I mean physically it’s been a 180 … It was great for him to get the reps in spring. He was probably operating probably below 50% physical capability at that point, but we’re glad that he went through it and he’s glad that he went through it.

“It certainly made him better. And the competition’s made him better, having three other experienced guys in the room has made him better. 

Malachi Nelson is quietly building behind the scenes going into his first year at USC. The Trojans freshman QB could be latest Lincoln Riley superstar by 2024.@On3sports x @On3USC

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— Nick Kosko (@nickkosko59) August 18, 2023

Riley raved about the quarterback room as Nelson gets to learn from reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.

“It’s a good room,” Riley said. “There’s a lot of conversations, guys are competing but they also help each other and push each other so (Malachi is much) improved. You know, I think much more confident, and certainly has a high ceiling.”

Nelson is a unique talent and is just the latest in the line of highly touted quarterback prospects to learn under Riley.

“Throughout a long, long recruiting process with him and his family, I think that just comfort factor and getting to know you know who he is as a person, getting to know his family, the way he’s raised his goals,” Riley said in December. “I’ve seen him improve throughout the years even when he’s getting offers and a lot of attention very early on. I feel like the kid has really continued to work hard and wants to improve and I think a lot of those things I just listed in terms of, you know, what we’re looking for at USC. 

“He fits and then as far as what we’re looking for at the quarterback position, I mean, he’s a guy that I feel like has an extremely bright future as a player, as a leader and as a winner. That’s what we have to have in that position.”

As a member of the Class of 2023, Nelson was a five-star recruit out of Los Alamitos (Calif.) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 2 overall prospect in California, the No. 5 quarterback in the class and the No. 11 overall prospect in the class.