Lincoln Riley talks USC practice standouts

Following Saturday’s practice, the twelfth of USC’s spring ball, head coach Lincoln Riley was asked about players who have stepped up their games during the competitive portions of practice.

Riley didn’t run through every single player who would fit that description, but he did highlight a few. A couple of tight ends were the first names mentioned.

“I thought Malcolm Epps and Jude Wolfe have done some really nice things, “Riley said. “I would really highlight their improvement from the beginning of spring to now. I’m really impressed with those two.”

That’s good news for the USC offense since Riley utilizes multiple tight ends and multiple tight end positions. Epps said earlier this spring that he’s been manning the Y position while Epps takes on the H. The Y can line up as a traditional tight end or split out as a receiver. The H-back in Riley’s offense typically works similar to a fullback, helping in the run game and also releasing as a receiver. At Oklahoma last season, Jeremiah Hall served as the H-back and caught 32 passes for 334 yards and four touchdowns. He finished tied for fourth on the team in receptions.

Wolfe likes his and the tight end’s role so far in the offense.

“The position as a whole is going to be a lot more involved in the offense compared to previous seasons,” Wolfe said earlier this spring. “We have a much more pass-catcher role than we have in past. And just being on the field more. I think we’re a crucial part of this offense and as long as we can handle our business, we can really be contributors.”

Bullock Stands Out This Spring

To no surprise to anyone who watched him last season, safety Calen Bullock was mentioned. Riley said Bullock was a little limited due to health early in the spring, but he’s back to full health now and showing up consistently.

“He’s strung together a couple of good days in a row and made some pretty big plays, situationally,” Riley said.

It’s been an interesting spring in the defensive backfield. Numbers are low at cornerback and safety due to departures and injuries. As a result, players are working at multiple positions. Riley said he believes every member of the secondary has worked at multiple positions this spring.

“Guys have gotten a ton of reps, a ton of great work,” Riley said. “But I think we’ve double-trained just about every single person in the secondary and some of the guys have played more than two.”

Last season, Bullock became the first USC true freshman to start a season-opener at safety since Su’a Cravens did so in 2013. He became a constant contributor early in the season and started games at free safety, nickelback and cornerback. He’ll likely be counted on to take a step forward this season and become a leader in the secondary.

Inside Linebackers Get a Mention

Riley singled out both of USC’s likely starting inside linebackers, in Shane Lee and Ralen Goforth.

“Shane Lee and Ralen both have shown up, situationally, quite a bit,” Riley said.

Linebackers coach Brian Odom said recently that Lee and Goforth have taken the lead at those two positions this spring.

“There’s something to be said for playing college football in the past,” Odom said of by far the two most experienced linebackers on the roster. “They’re pretty in tune with game plans.”

USC needs to replace Kana’i Mauga this season. The inside linebacker led the Trojans in tackles by a wide margin last season. His 91 total stops were 29 more than any other USC defender. He also finished fourth on the team in tackles for loss. Lee’s impact has been monumental on the USC program and roster this offseason. He’s helping the entire room take a step forward, including Raesjon Davis, who credited Lee for providing plenty of motivation in the weight room.