WeAreSC Roundtable: USC Spring Game MVP
The WeAreSC staff and contributors gathered to offer their selections for the MVP of the USC spring game held this past Saturday. Players on both sides of the ball received recognition as the USC defense ultimately came away with a 42-34 win against the offense. Some of the more established Trojans didn’t see extended time during the spring game, which meant others had opportunities to step up and stand out.
Erik McKinney
The true freshman finished with eight receptions for 94 yards. The eight catches doubled the No. 2 receiver. And Branch posted the most total offense for the Trojans in this one. What stood out is how quietly he did it. There was an obvious drop and at least one or two more where better throws would have led to completions. He likely won’t dominate targets this fall like he did in the spring. But he proved he can make an impact in this offense in a variety of ways. And also, that he’s ready to do it right now.
And as an extension of Branch, I’m giving a stolen second MVP vote for the entire true freshman class of early enrollees. What a group. Running backs Quinten Joyner and A’Marion Peterson were phenomenal. Safety Christian Pierce already looks like a future star. Linebacker Tackett Curtis, rush end Sam Greene and offensive tackle Elijah Paige held their own among the veterans. And quarterback Malachi Nelson is going to be just fine as he settles in and gets fully healthy. The transfer portal will be key in terms of added pieces. But when the rest of the group gets here, this 2023 class looks like it will provide an extremely solid foundation with some potential superstars.
Scott Schrader
My player of the 2023 USC Spring Game was Jacobe Covington. His coverage was consistently tight, he had two interceptions and his physical presence in the defensive backfield will be vital this season. Covington is one of the players in Coach Donte’s room who he is expecting a lot from this season, and to provide veteran leadership.
Greg Katz
LB Mason Cobb
If it’s not Caleb Williams because he played way too little but was highly effective (and the same could be said of MarShawn Lloyd), my MVP is transfer linebacker Mason Cobb, who played like a former All-Big12 linebacker.
Marc Kulkin
To watch Solo dominate at the line of scrimmage and do it at a new position after everything he’s been through what a wonderful sight it was to see.
Thomas Johnson
RB Quinten Joyner and CB Jacobe Covington
There were many freshman standouts in the Spring game, including his position counterpart A’Marion Peterson, but Joyner stood above the rest. Every time the running back from Manor, Texas touched the ball, it looked like he could pop it for a big gain. The freshman had a strong, 26-yard rush right up the gut for a score for one of his many highlights. Even when the defense tightened up in the game, they couldn’t stop Joyner.
Covington had two big-time interceptions in the game which helped bring home the win for the defense. The cornerback, who is in his second year with the Trojans after transferring from Washington, ripped a would-be-touchdown from Dorian Singer’s hands to give the defense another three points. Then, on the last play of the game, Covington leaped above everyone else to pick off a throw to the end zone from Malachi Nelson. The epitome of the USC defense last season was to let the offense march down the field and then force a turnover in the red zone and Covington showed today, this year might not be so different.
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