Brenden Rice catching attention as a receiver on the rise
There were some questions with the USC wide receiver group coming into the 2023 season as to how the hole created by the departure of Jordan Addison would be filled. There didn’t seem to be an exact match in terms of skill and athleticism, but USC’s group of receivers was talented enough to believe the Trojans’ passing game wouldn’t fall off. That’s certainly been true through five games as quarterback Caleb Williams is off to a better start this season than his Heisman Trophy winning 2022 campaign. And the improved play of Brenden Rice has been part of the reason why.
Rice finished fourth on the Trojans last season with 39 receptions for 611 yards and four touchdowns. Two of those scores came in the bowl game against Tulane. He had some drops early in the year, but USC head coach Lincoln Riley said Rice really started to step up toward the end of the 2022 season, making big plays against UCLA, Notre Dame and Tulane.
“I think he really gained some confidence within the last year,” Riley said this week on the Trojans Live radio show. “He was very raw when he came in here. He’s always been gifted but he had to really learn to try to put it all together, really become a complete player, more knowledgeable player.”
Riley consistently praises Rice’s practice habits and toughness. He said the receiver is a constant presence on the field and never wants to miss time.
“Because of that, he’s gotten better and better,” Riley said. “His confidence has grown. His skill level’s grown and yeah, he’s making a lot of big plays. You know, we have a lot of confidence in him and the other guys on our team do right now as well.”
Scouts are taking note
Rice leads the Trojans with seven touchdown catches through five games. He’s second on the team in both receptions (17) and receiving yards (338). Of those 17 catches, 15 of them have gone for first downs or touchdowns.
Rice was a Stock Up Player of the Week pick for the Senior Bowl following his performance against Colorado.
