Donte Williams on Michael Trigg walking line between passion, immaturity

After USC interim head coach Donte Williams was spotted talking extensively with freshman Michael Trigg following the tight end’s 46-yard touchdown catch and run against Colorado, Williams stated there’s a balance between showing positive emotion versus acting like he’s been there before. That’s something Williams looks to instill in his young players.

“I’m a fiery guy regardless by nature,” Williams said on Trojan Live on Tuesday. “I want them to get excited by plays and have fun because it’s only fun in football when you’re winning and making plays. If one of those two things is off balance, then football isn’t fun.

“But at the same time, you have to act like you’ve done it before because him putting the ball out for five or six yards … If the ref wants to call that a flag or penalty then we’re backed up it’s not a touchdown. If all of a sudden he flicks the ball to the ground a little too soon, all of a sudden it’s a touchback.”

Williams cited an example of a play from South Carolina’s win over Troy on Saturday, where Gamecocks linebacker Damani Staley prematurely dropped the ball while crossing the goal line, resulting in a touchback for Troy.

“Everything is a teachable moment,” he said. “That’s how I looked at it as a team, we looked at that play together today as a team. Just making sure he learns because if you don’t get on him now, especially as a freshman, he’s going to keep doing it and think that is what the example is for the next guy that comes and I want to make sure that’s corrected now.”

Michael Trigg has put together his best two performances of the season in back-to-back weeks, following up a three catch, 44-yard performance against Oregon State with his breakout performance against Colorado. Against Colorado, Trigg recorded two catches for 51 yards and a touchdown. After the game, Williams emphasized his desire for the young tight end to keep improving.

“Everyone sees the big plays he makes, but I see the mistakes he makes,” Williams told reporters Sunday. “Those are the coaching moments, not the plays he makes every day in practice. That’s how he will continue to grow.”

USC is still looking to find a reliable second option besides star wide receiver Drake London, who is emerging as the early Biletnikoff Award frontrunner. On the season, London has recorded 48 catches for 670 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 14 yards per reception.