Michael Trigg adjusting well to his new surroundings as Ole Miss' newest tight end
Just a few months ago Michael Trigg was in Los Angeles and a player on Southern California’s roster. Now, in the same school year, Trigg is nearly on the other side of the country and seemingly acclimated to his new home.
Trigg arrived in Oxford earlier this year as part of a package deal with former USC quarterback Jaxson Dart in what was the biggest transfer portal moves this winter.
Getting a player in Trigg, who brings a 6-foot-3, 240-pound frame onto the field — and looks every bit of it — instantly boosted the Rebels depth in the tight end room.
“He’s just a unique skill set,” said Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin of Trigg. “It’s hard to describe what it looks like. It’s kind the older guys play with the younger guys, like a high school guy plays with the junior high kids. That’s how he plays. Not necessarily faster or quicker than everybody but his ball control and length.”
Through two open practices inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium this spring, Trigg has jumped off the page. He stands out when on the sideline and when he’s on the field.
Trigg has instantly become a reliable receiver and a go-to for Dart, who has a brother-like bond with the tight end. Trying to make the circus catches or catches in tight windows on passes that are meant for only him, Trigg has excelled in showing off he is more than capable in handling those.
“That’s what we practice, honestly,” Trigg said. “If me and Jaxson are at the house, we’ll just go to the (indoor practice facility) and I’ll stand in the exact spot and he’ll put it in that exact spot. That’s the kind of catch we’ll work on so when we do it in practice it’s like second nature. Just rep it over and over again.”
Another factor to Trigg getting comfortable so quickly is the USC connections that are already built in with co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach John David Baker as well as new offensive analyst Dane Stevens.
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Trigg was recruited by and committed to Baker when he was still with the Trojans and Stevens was at USC this past season as a offensive quality control analyst.
“I know we’re kind of like implementing some USC spread stuff so it’s good,” Trigg said. “I knew getting into the portal (Baker) was the first person I was going to text. That was who I was closest too.”
Adjustments to Trigg’s game on the field have also taken place since he showed up in Oxford. Trigg was not required to be much of a blocker or work in pass protection schemes as a Trojan, but that has changed with the Rebels.
Working with Casey Kelly, Trigg is embracing the added role of blocking and acknowledged he is doing so with his future in mind.
“It’s been wonderful, honestly,” Trigg said. “Coming from USC I didn’t have to block as much and moving to the SEC I’m more in the trenches. So, with Casey helping me it’s been perfect.
“I feel like it will help my draft stock. I feel like every tight end needs to be able to block.”
