USC transfers look for ways to contribute during spring football

USC transfer quarterback Jayden Maiava sets up to pass while playing for UNLV last season. He’ll battle new Trojans teammate Miller Moss for the starting job this spring. (Andres Leighton / Associated Press)

Jaden Richardson didn’t need any promises. The only thing the former Tufts receiver wanted when trying to make the jump from Division III was an opportunity.

“Any school that promises you stuff is never where you really want to be,” the USC receiver said Tuesday after his fourth spring practice with the Trojans.

Richardson is part of an exclusive group of transfers on offense expected to boost the competition inside Heritage Hall as the Trojans wade into the next phase of development under Lincoln Riley.

The coach relied on large transfer classes to hasten USC’s turnaround during his first two years but has stated a desire to start building through high school players. With promising prospects from last year’s recruiting class — Riley’s first full group at USC — the Trojans signed just three transfers for spring on offense.

Now with Richardson, running back Woody Marks and quarterback Jayden Maiava, the Trojans will try to mix veteran transfer experience with USC’s homegrown players hoping to take the next step in their careers.

Unlike Richardson and Mississippi State’s Marks, who both hold school records at their previous stops, Maiava is not the oldest guy in a young room. The redshirt sophomore from UNLV is competing with redshirt junior Miller Moss for the right to replace Caleb Williams.

Read more: Four things to watch as USC begins spring football practice

After throwing for 3,085 yards and 17 touchdowns for the Rebels last year, Maiava entered the portal looking for an opportunity to “compete with the best.” He initially committed to Georgia before flipping the next day.

The Trojans, Riley…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/usc-transfers-look-ways-contribute-222922128.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-03-26 22:29:22

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