More USC standouts from the SJSU win, Raleek Brown’s status and Gino Quinones’ consistency
USC head coach Lincoln Riley spoke to the media following Tuesday’s practice and offered his thoughts on a few topics. Riley mentioned some of the players who stood out against San Jose State after watching the film. He went into what should or shouldn’t be taken from Raleek Brown appearing on the scout team during Tuesday’s practice. And he broke down what earned offensive lineman Gino Quinones the starting nod at right guard against the Spartans.
USC standouts against SJSU
Zero seconds of film study was needed to know that true freshman Zachariah Branch had an outstanding first game in the Trojans’ season opener against San Jose State. Riley had positive things to say about most of the true freshmen who saw their first game action on Saturday.
With film review done, Riley spoke Tuesday about some other players who popped on film. He started by doubling down on Elijah Hughes, saying he’s one that “really stood out.” Riley stayed on the defensive line and said both Jack Sullivan and Bear Alexander stood out. Both Riley and defensive coordinator Alex Grinch said the stat sheet was a little misleading when it came to Alexander. He finished with just one tackle and a pass deflection.
“When you turn on the film on Sunday, you could see that presence,” Riley said of Alexander’s impact.
Riley finished by pointing out the play of linebacker Eric Gentry, offensive lineman Michael Tarquin and running back Austin Jones.
Gino gets the start
Offensive lineman Gino Quinones was not listed as a starter when USC released its depth chart ahead of the opener. But it was Quinones who took the field first at right guard with the USC offense.
“He’s been one of our five most consistent players,” Riley said. “He’s made himself a really key, valuable member of our offensive line.”
Riley constantly mentions the competition still going on along the offensive line and especially at the two guard positions. Quinones pulled triple duty during the game last week, playing three series at right guard, two at left guard and one at center.
The constant rotation along the offensive line is expected to slow some this weekend and next as the Trojans look for some consistency up front to help the offense settle into more of a rhythm. Quinones looks to have positioned himself to be a real factor in that race and that versatility to play on either side of center Justin Dedich could help him.
Raleek Brown’s status
It made some noise yesterday when wide receiver Raleek Brown worked with the scout team during practice. That’s coming off a game in which he had one reception for 14 yards late in the game and did not factor in on special teams.
Riley said the call to work Brown on scout team was “just our decision as coaches.” But he added this is not some permanent demotion or anything close to the end of the line for Brown.
“It’s competition,” Riley said. “Raleek’s a really good player. But there’s a lot of really good players here. The margins are really, really thin between a lot of these guys. And I would just encourage with him, like I would this entire team, everybody wants to judge you like it’s going to be like this the rest of the year after Game 1. Like, it’s one game. We didn’t get judged last year on how the Rice game went. We all need to remember that. For individual players, for units, for the entire team, there’s a lot of good. Raleek’s done a lot of good. He’s going to be a tremendous player. These are the things you go through.”
Riley has talked before about how he’s had players start the year on the scout team and wind up being significant contributors halfway through that season.
“There’s quite a few that are big-time trophy winners and NFL players and all that stuff,” Riley said. “Everybody’s process is different, especially when you’re making a position change.”
MarShawn Lloyd settles in for USC
Running back MarShawn Lloyd didn’t exactly explode onto the scene in his first game with the Trojans. He finished the first half with seven carries for 17 yards.
“Rushed things a little bit in the first half, was a little bit too impatient,” Riley said. “I think a little too excited.”
He didn’t get as many touches in the second half, but it was a much better representation of what he’s going to bring to this offense. He ran the ball twice for 25 yards (including a 16-yard gain on third-and-11) and caught a screen pass that he took for 12 yards.
“Calmed down in the second and you got to see a little bit of a glimpse in the second half of the kind of runner we think he can be,” Riley said.
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