Caleb Williams Highlights a Few Spring Standouts for USC
USC is officially through seven of its 15 spring ball practices. There’s still plenty left to do before the spring game on April 15. But the Trojans have been in full pads and playing with full contact a few times. It’s given quarterback Caleb Williams an opportunity to get a sense of some of the accomplishments of other players. Following Tuesday’s practice, the USC quarterback and returning Heisman Trophy winner was asked about the teammates who have stood out to him so far this spring.
Williams ran through a number of names, obviously not able to hit on every single player who has done something impressive this spring. But here’s a look at who he mentioned as having made an impact on him.
Defensive Line and Rush End
Anthony Lucas, Kyon Barrs, Korey Foreman and Jamil Muhammad.
Williams said Foreman has been making more noise this spring. But he saved the most praise for Lucas. One play in particular jumped out. The team was working a goal line drill and the play from Lucas held the offense out of the endzone.
“I changed the play and honestly, the way it looked and the way it was, it should have been a touchdown,” Williams said. “He came screaming down the line and just kind of, he blew it all up…It was a special play, and exciting.”
Linebacker
Williams said Mason Cobb and true freshman Tackett Curtis are impressing.
“Tackett’s my boy,” Williams said. “Hard worker, just goes at it every single chance he gets.”
Defensive Backs
Williams spends a lot of time throwing against the defensive backs, so the play there can impact his performance greatly.
Williams said Jacobe Covington and Domani Jackson have impressed, which echoes comments from the coaching staff. He also said “obviously” Calen Bullock is impressing.
Wide Receiver
Williams didn’t spend a ton of time talking about his offense. But Dorian Singer and Zachariah Branch were two receivers he mentioned.
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About Singer, Williams said he “makes insane catches.” And of course, what stands out about Branch is “his speed.”
Quarterback
Williams said true freshman Malachi Nelson (he refers to him as “Young Pup”) is “getting a lot better.” He also said Miller Moss continues to be “Miller Time” at quarterback.
Trojans’ Roster
While players have been impressing this spring, Williams knows the distance between where they are now and where they want to go. It’s going to be tough for him to be much better than he was in 2022, but he said he wants to work on consistency this season. That’s the same thing head coach Lincoln Riley said he wants for Williams this fall.
“We’ve got a bunch of guys that are doing their part,” Williams said of the team’s spring performances. “A lot of it is the small details, which turn out to be very big details when you have to throw the ball to somebody, or the right steps to hand it off, the right steps for o-linemen so somebody can’t shoot the gap. A lot of small details we’re trying to crank out…We’ve got a lot of guys doing a lot of great things. But we’ve got a lot of guys, myself included, we have small things we need to work on and get better at, to be where we want to be at the end of the year.”
