Lincoln Riley Singles out Three Fall Camp Standouts

The USC Trojans brought their 2022 fall camp to a close on Saturday. Next week will signal a shift toward a game-week schedule. The following week will be all about preparation for the season-opener against Rice. Head coach Lincoln Riley spoke to the media following Saturday’s practice, which featured a scrimmage. Asked which players helped themselves the most during this camp, Riley came up with three specific names.

Ceyair Wright Continues His Big Jump

“Ceyair comes to mind,” Riley said of second-year cornerback Ceyair Wright. “One of the first guys off my mind when I think about where he was in spring to now.”

Wright came to USC as a major recruit in the 2021 class. He was a four-star prospect as well as the nation’s No. 75 overall recruit and No. 6 cornerback. He saw time as a reserve in two early-season games but wasn’t able to make an impact after that despite USC needing to use a number of young players in the secondary late in the season.

Wright was challenged by cornerbacks coach Donte Williams this spring and responded in a big way. It was clear early in camp that the lights had come on for the 6-foot-1, 180-pound corner. Finding a cornerback to play opposite incoming transfer Mekhi Blackmon was one of the keys for the defense this summer and fall. Wright looks to have answered the bell and could be in line to start against Rice.

Mason Murphy Continues to Impress

Riley also mentioned offensive tackle Mason Murphy. The second-year tackle didn’t play last season but was really coming on strong in practice until a fractured foot took away any chance he had to see the field during the final seven games.

He’s slotted behind offensive tackles Courtland Ford, Jonah Monheim and Bobby Haskins at this point. But Murphy’s progression is big for the offensive line since it now gives the Trojans a true two-deep at those spots. It would not be surprising to see Murphy get some run this season, especially if the offense can stretch a lead early in a few games. He absolutely appears ready to go.

Xamarion Gordon Battling at Safety

All of the talk about USC safeties this fall has centered on Calen Bullock. There’s good reason for that as Bullock has the look of an All-Conference and potential All-American player.

“I thought Calen had a really good camp,” Riley said. “He’s a tremendous playmaker. You notice a difference when he’s on the field. There’s no question about it.”

But the spot next to Bullock might be up for grabs still. Xavion Alford did enough last season to be considered the frontrunner there coming into the spring. But he missed a significant amount of time. He was able to return for fall camp but sat out Saturday’s practice. There’s no reason to think at this point he won’t be ready to go and start against Rice, but Xamarion Gordon elevating his play is good news for a position that obviously needs depth.

Gordon saw practice reps at safety and cornerback as a true freshman last season. He’s a big, physical player at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds. And he’s been available when it matters.

Those were three players Riley specifically mentioned as showing significant improvements. But he also made it clear those were far from being the only three.

“Guys that have been able to stay on the field, stay healthy, whether it was on the field or being able to go full participation in our offseason program, they’ve all made strides,” Riley said. “Those are three guys that, you turn on the film spring and you turn on the film fall and there’s a really big gap. So obviously they did a pretty good job throughout the summer and here in fall camp.”