Lincoln Riley reports major Trojan injuries and examines the first spring practices.
USC’s head coach revealed his early observations of the Trojans’ second spring practice, with pads slated to go on Saturday.
USC held its second of 14 spring practices at Howard Jones Field on Thursday, with the spring game scheduled for April 20. Given the new faces on defence and the defensive staff, as well as the relative inexperience at several offensive spots, the Trojans have reached an agreement to be patient. The pads don’t come on until Saturday, but Lincoln Riley said the team’s energy was up from the first day on Tuesday.
“Probably a little bit more energy,” Riley remarked of Day 2. “We performed a little more team and competitive drills today, and you could feel the energy building up. As a result, on the second day, you’ll most likely have a little more energy. The excitement of going in, making some changes, and coming out knowing you’re going to be better. That is evident throughout, which is extremely positive.
“Obviously, [the players] are pumped about Saturday. These days are fun, but they don’t prepare you for putting on shoulder pads, hearing the snaps, and physically playing the game, so I’m looking forward to it.”
The Trojans have a few players who are unavailable this spring. Riley is confident that safety Zion Branch, offensive lineman Gino Quińones, and tight end Lake McRee will be ready for fall camp, despite their spring absences.
“Expect them all to be full go or close to full go for autumn camp,” Riley stated. “Lake will most likely be the latest because his injuries occurred later than the others, but he is far ahead. So he definitely has a chance to participate, and ideally fully participate, in fall camp. The other two will undoubtedly be.
“All three of those guys are extremely hard workers.” Guys that attack the process. In terms of rehabilitation, you are not concerned about their mental state or hostility. So they are all ahead. Zion and Gino are getting to the point where they can perform some functional tasks on the pitch. Lake is still a little further behind them. But I’m really hopeful and anticipate to have them all this season.”
“So far, it seems like a very mature group,” Riley added. “It has produced some very strong leaders. That’s been excellent. A rather selfless group. In many ways, it reminds me of the [transfer] group from our first year. It’s not as many, obviously, but there are a lot of mature and energetic males. You can feel their presence on the practice pitch even in the beginning, which I believe is really significant.”
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