Big Plays Highlight USC's First Fall Scrimmage
USC head coach Lincoln Riley offered just a small peek into the Trojans’ first fall scrimmage, which took place this past Sunday.
“The offense got a little bit of the upper hand in the scrimmage,” Riley said. “Made a few more big plays. But there were a lot on both sides.”
Shown in a video highlight package from the official football site, true freshman running back Raleek Brown authored at least one of those big plays as he escaped downfield.
The offense tilting the field in its direction is a shift from what Riley had seen recently. He said there was about a three-practice run of the defense having its way.
But the defense did manage two big turnovers. Riley said linebacker Eric Gentry and cornerback Prophet Brown both got their hands on interceptions.
Both interceptions were “outstanding plays” according to the head coach.
This was the first time the offense and defense participated in full-field, live-tackling situations this fall, Riley said.
“We’ve done some short-yardage work, but it’s a different animal,” Riley said. “It’s great because you’re able to evaluate the offensive players and how they react in the open field…And then obviously, defensively you get that same evaluation. Because a lot of this has become so much of a space game.”
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Riley said there were some “tremendous” one-on-one tackles from the defense. But ultimately, the scrimmage produced plenty of film to coach off of, on both sides.
It’s easy to think the USC offense is going to be significantly better than the defense this season. Riley is an offensive coach and both the returning and added talent on that side of the ball is simply better. But the defense continues to hold its own, according to the head coach.
“Continue to be a very much overall back-and-forth camp,” Riley said. “We leave the field, one group’s going to be happy, one group’s going to be pissed. For me, you’re happy and mad both at the same time, and that’s how I should feel…You feel that back-and-forth when both sides are having success and both sides are being challenged. And I think that’s what’s happening right now.”
Gentry Continues to Stand Out
Eric Gentry immediately became a newcomer to watch for the Trojans the moment he announced his transfer from Arizona State. The 6-foot-6, 200-pound linebacker has been good this fall. Good enough to start and see significant minutes.
While the frame shouts edge defender, Gentry’s skills and mentality make him an inside linebacker.
“His length and playmaking ability, nose for the ball, kind of stick out,” Riley said. “It’s rare to have a guy who has that type of length and also that type of athleticism. You love it defensively. Love his instincts. [He’s] getting more comfortable in our system, making less mistakes each day. From an offensive perspective, guys like that are a pain. He’s done a really nice job of it.”
