Duce Robinson Impressing Quickly at USC
A number of true freshmen made huge impacts during the spring. Early enrollees such as Zachariah Branch, Elijah Paige, Tackett Curtis and Christian Pierce all took major strides as a number of newcomers look poised to contribute this fall. But USC added a few more 2023 recruits to the roster over the summer who could make an impact. There might not be a more intriguing addition than wide receiver Duce Robinson.
Robinson was a five-star prospect and the nation’s No. 1 tight end in his class. He will play receiver at USC and head coach Lincoln Riley said he’s fitting in so far.
“He’s doing well,” Riley said of his big freshman. “The size, the length, the speed combination, it’s unique like we kind of knew and thought it was. And he’s picked up on our system really quick.”
USC has a number of talented wide receivers on the roster with plenty of experience. But Robinson could very well find his way onto the field.
“I’d certainly be surprised if he doesn’t have a good impact on the football team,” Riley said.
Robinson said previously that he was going to start his USC career playing outside receiver before likely getting inside receiver and tight end reps as well. Riley said they’ve moved him around a bit.
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“We’ve worked him at a variety of different positions this summer just to try to get him acclimated more within the offense,” Riley said. “Once we finally get on the field with him and we get pads on and we get a chance to work and see what he’s really like there and where our other strengths and weaknesses are, we’ll get him slotted.”
Robinson and Football/Baseball
Riley said conversations have now started with Robinson about his football and baseball career at USC. Robinson wasn’t selected in the most recent MLB Draft.
“We’re going to communicate on baseball,” Riley said. “Now that the draft and all that have unfolded, we’ve already started some of those talks. So I’m excited to continue that.”
Caleb Williams on Duce Robinson
“Love Duce,” Williams said when asked about the freshman. “Duce is a very smart young player. Very humble player…He has all the right to feel a certain way about who he is as a player and where he should be on the depth chart or whatever the case may be. But he’s the complete opposite…He’s a kid that wants to come in and learn.”
