USC's Rush Ends Providing Some Excitement

If the USC defense is going to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season, a good amount of that is likely to come from its rush ends. The Trojans averaged just 1.8 sacks per game last season. And just for players recorded more than one. Of USC’s 21 sacks last season, just nine came from players still on the roster. The importance of that RUSH position is one position coach Roy Manning discussed in depth earlier this spring. This past Saturday, head coach Lincoln Riley provided an update on that spot.

“Exciting group,” Riley said. “It’s an exciting group.”

Just four players are working at the spot right now. But if all can remain healthy, it’s a solid group. Staying on the field has not been easy for them, however.

Korey Foreman entered spring ball dealing with what he called a minor knee dislocation. This is after he dealt with injuries during last year’s fall camp and throughout the season. But he’s back healthy now and impressing coaches. Rileys aid Foreman had a couple of sacks during Saturday’s team portion of practice.

“I think Korey’s done a really nice job,” Riley said. “He’s been full-go as of late, doing everything and has been disruptive…I think he’s progressing nicely.”

Romello Height came into spring ball working as the starter at the position. He transitioned quickly to USC and made a strong first impression.

“Romello’s had a really nice spring, a really complete spring,” Riley said. “Very, very difficult to block in one-on-one situations and has really learned the defense quickly. Proud of his progression.”

Height recorded 19 tackles, including three for loss, in nine games last season. But pass rush win rate in limited opportunities was exceptional. The Trojans will need that from him this season.

If Foreman and Height can stay healthy and productive all season, that position is in good hands.

“Both Romello and Korey provide a level of explosion there,” Riley said. “It’s pretty obvious.”

But there is some intriguing depth behind them right now in the form of Eli’jah Winston and Tayler Katoa.

Winston missed six games in 2019 after a sprained ankle. He missed all of the 2020 season after breaking his ankle over the summer. And then he appeared in just three games this past season while dealing with injuries. But his athletic ability has never been a question. He’s healthy now and contributing, pushing for real playing time this season.

“Eli’jah Winston has been healthy the whole way. and has made some really nice strides,” Riley said. “[He’s] been really steady.”

Manning’s Connection With the USC Rush Ends

Riley complimented Manning’s work with the group this spring and said the “guys are doing a great job.”

Manning said his first focus this offseason upon taking over the position was to develop a bond with his group.

“It’s not just about football,” Manning said. “Once they understand that I’m concerned about their well-being and their life, things that go on outside this building, then you can coach them harder and they’ll give you all they’ve got,” Manning said. “But they’ve got to feel that connection first. If anything, that’s really been one of my huge focus areas since I got here, is developing real relationships with these guys.”

It’s clear the coaches understand what they need to get out of Foreman this season. He’s a tremendous talent and if he can deliver on that, the USC staff can pitch development and star power in recruiting future USC rush ends. Manning seems to feel like they’ve found the right spot for Foreman to thrive. He said last season he saw Foreman play to the field, to the boundary, with his hand on the ground and standing up.

“That’s one thing we kind of had to work out when spring first started,” Manning said, “Putting guys in the right places…It’s that residual effect of doing the same thing over and over. I think it’s hard to get the most out of somebody if you’re going to switch them around and move them around a lot. I get it. He’s a highly-touted guy. You try to find a place for him and get him on the field any. way. you can. He’s got tools and skills. I think you put him somewhere and just let him go.”