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Drake London racked up some incredible receiving numbers when Southern California's offense was on the field. When San Jose State had the ball, the Trojans' defense often looked impenetrable. Yet No. 15 USC's lead was still stuck in the single digits until a fourth-quarter surge rewarded the Trojans with a suitable margin of season-opening victory. London caught a career-high 12 passes for 137 yards, Greg Johnson returned a late interception 37 yards for a touchdown and the Trojans pulled away for a 30-7 victory over the Spartans.

USC still hasn't lost a home opener played in the Coliseum in the 21st century. But until the fourth quarter, this victory was another version of the underwhelming starts that have been common under seventh-year head coach Clay Helton. The Trojans led the defending Mountain West champions just 13-7 heading into the final period, but the USC defense capped its impressive day with Johnson's TD return to push the lead to 23-7 with 11:42 to play, followed by a stop of the Spartans on downs near the goal line with 7:20 left. "We felt like the defense was dominating the whole game, but the score was still close," USC defensive tackle Tuli Tuipulotu said. "We just had to keep working." They also had to get some help from the offense at the 98-year-old Coliseum, where USC's fans watched their team for the first time since 2019. - Southern California/AP College Football

(DS#5 WR) Jr/2022

WR *Drake London, Southern California
News Source: Southern California/AP College Football
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08/25/21 - Brenden Rice, Sr/2024, Southern California, 6-2, 208 (DS#15 WR) + More +

Brenden Rice provided a glimpse of potential greatness as a true freshman with the Colorado Buffaloes in 2020. It was just a starting point, however, and the talented receiver from Chandler, Ariz., shook his head and smiled when asked recently what he did to improve this offseason. "A lot," said Rice, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound second-year freshman. "I was very out of control in my routes. I was out of control in my running. I didn't really know how to make everything look the same." Despite that, Rice caught six passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns in CU's five-game regular season in 2020. Including a punt return for a touchdown, he scored on three of the nine plays on which he touched the ball.

CU head coach Karl Dorrell, offensive coordinator/receivers coach Darrin Chiaverini, and offensive quality control coach Reggie Moore have all spent time working with Rice in preparation for this season. "His game has really gone to the next level," Chiaverini said. "He's got to still be consistent catching the football, but he's explosive." Considering his surname and position, it seems fitting that Rice is developing into one of the Buffs' best receivers. After all, his biological father, Jerry Rice, is the greatest receiver to ever play the game, with NFL records for receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895) and total touchdowns (208) that might never get broken. Rice, however, is proud of the fact that he's become a potential star on his own merit. - Daily Camera

(DS#15 WR) Sr/2024

WR Brenden Rice, Southern California
News Source: Daily Camera
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08/22/21 - *Drake Jackson, Jr/2022, Southern California, 6-3, 273 (DS#5 OLB) + More +

Perhaps the writing's been on the wall since his breakout season as a true freshman. But USC junior outside linebacker Drake Jackson eliminated any doubt Friday as he declared that the 2021 season will be his last in college before leaving for the NFL. "This is my last year. I got to get out of here," Jackson said after Friday's practice. "I'mma leave with a bang, too." Jackson first arrived at USC in the spring of 2019 out of Corona Centennial High and immediately started to turn heads with a sack and pick six in the spring game while playing defensive end.

That translated into the regular season, with Jackson recording 11.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, three pass breakups and a forced fumble. In the offseason, USC brought in defensive coordinator Todd Orlando, who moved Jackson to a hybrid outside linebacker role where sometimes Jackson would go into pass rush and other times would drop back in coverage. This led to mixed results as Jackson adjusted to the role in the abridged 2020 season, finishing with two sacks and 5.5 TFLs but still earning a spot on the second-team All-Pac-12 for a second consecutive year. But in his second year at the new position, Jackson feels more confident. "Last year was the first time playing that defense, being a linebacker, and I was kind of hesitant on some stuff," Jackson said, "and now I can really just go." - Orange County Register

(DS#5 OLB) Jr/2022

OLB *Drake Jackson, Southern California
News Source: Orange County Register
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08/20/21 - Keaontay Ingram, Sr/2022, Southern California, 6-0, 220 (DS#31 RB) + More +

Sometimes it can take some time to adjust to a new football team, a new offense, a new scheme. Like wading into the Pacific Ocean and letting your body adjust to the water temperature. Or, you can run straight into the water without hesitation. That's what Keaontay Ingram has done since transferring to USC. The former Texas running back was one of the breakout performers of the spring for the Trojans, making an immediate impact with his powerful style and burst through the line of scrimmage. It's been clear that Ingram has had no issues adjusting to the new offense at USC.

"Football is still football at the end of the day. Everybody pretty much do the same main concepts," Ingram said nonchalantly. "Just the details of the game and stuff like that. So picking up on this offense is like a cakewalk for me." Ingram speaks with the same confidence and ease he displays when he runs. He says it was a simple decision to choose USC after three years at Texas, saying at this stage in his career he knew what he wanted: The chance for playing time, and the chance to win. "Of course I do have goals, but I mean it's not going to matter if we don't win a championship," he said. "So that's the ultimatum - if we win championships, everybody get a good-paying job." - Orange County Register

(DS#31 RB) Sr/2022

RB Keaontay Ingram, Southern California
News Source: Orange County Register
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08/15/21 - *Jordan Addison, Jr/2023, Southern California, 5-11, 173 (DS#2 WR) + More +

When Jordan Addison went home to Frederick, Md., in the offseason, he carried with him reminders of a memorable freshman season at Pitt. With 60 catches for 666 yards, four touchdowns and the longest play of Pitt's season (75 yards), few failed to notice. He was a Freshman All-American, honorable mention All-ACC and runner-up conference rookie of the year. Then, before this season, he was named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list, telling the college football world to keep an eye on the young (not yet 20) wide receiver during the 2021 season. Later, when he accompanied teammates Kenny Pickett and Deslin Alexandre and coach Pat Narduzzi to Charlotte, N.C., to meet the press, reporters from all across the ACC footprint hung on his every word.

So when he went home to his mother, Keisha, six brothers and three sisters, of course, they told him they were proud. But let's not get carried away, he reminded them. "When I saw (the recognition), I took it in to show my mom, my family," he said Friday after Pitt's first day of drills, "and, then, once I came here, now it's time to go work for it. "My mom was very proud. I told her, "I ain't got it yet." "It," in Addison's mind, is nothing short of jumping ahead of any player who might catch a pass over the next two seasons and, ultimately, getting picked in the first round of the NFL Draft, possibly as early as 2023. "First-round draft pick is definitely on top of my list," he said. "I don't want to settle for anything less." There's just one other goal, and it's just as important: "Get to the NFL and provide for my family," he said. "Get my whole family in one neighborhood. I'm a big family person." - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

(DS#2 WR) Jr/2023

WR *Jordan Addison, Southern California
News Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
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08/12/21 - Kyle Ford, rSr/2025, Southern California, 6-2, 223 (DS#116 WR) + More +

As far as second first impressions go, Kyle Ford did pretty well in the first day of USC training camp. A year removed from a second ACL tear and surgery, Ford was facing press coverage during 11-on-11 and sensed that the ball might be coming his direction. Sure enough, the pass was high, where only the 6-foot-2 receiver could grab it. Instinct took over from there, to hear Ford tell it, and he leaped up and snatched the ball out of the air with one hand. "It felt really special because obviously that was my first day coming to practice," Ford said on Saturday. "I feel blessed. Just real thankful to be out here, to be out here feeling healthy. I'm starting to feel like myself again." Ford missed all of the 2020 season following an off-season ACL tear, the same injury he suffered in his senior year at Orange Lutheran which limited him to a single catch in 2019 as a freshman.

The familiarity with the injury, and the recovery process from it, was a helpful tool for Ford as he rehabbed this time around. Whereas the first time it took over a month of on-field work before he was able to overcome the mental block of trusting his knee again, that process was winnowed down to two weeks. "I knew what was coming, I knew what to expect," Ford said. "Obviously there's always going to be that little mental block sometimes for some people. But I feel like this time around it really wasn't there for me." - Orange County Register

(DS#116 WR) rSr/2025

WR Kyle Ford, Southern California
News Source: Orange County Register
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08/06/21 - Kyle Ford, rSr/2025, Southern California, 6-2, 223 (DS#116 WR) + More +

Ford missed all of the 2020 season while recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL, the same injury that limited him to four games and one reception as a true freshman in 2019. But the former Orange Lutheran standout is a prime candidate for a breakout year for USC. The Trojans lost receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tyler Vaughns to the NFL and were further hampered by Monday's news that Bru McCoy is indefinitely suspended following an arrest on suspicion of intimate partner violence with injury. With Drake London as the only established returner, Ford, along with Gary Bryant Jr. and Michael Jackson III, stand to benefit from the openings at receiver. - Orange County Register

(DS#116 WR) rSr/2025

WR Kyle Ford, Southern California
News Source: Orange County Register
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08/02/21 - K.D. Nixon, rSr/2022, Southern California, 5-07, 190 (DS#128 WR) + More +

For the past several years, Nixon and quarterback Sam Noyer were key players and leaders for the Colorado Buffaloes. Now, they will be trying to beat the Buffs, and their new teams are happy to have them on board. Nixon transferred to USC last winter, while Noyer, who started all six games for CU in 2020, transferred to Oregon State in June. Both are in their final season of eligibility. Nixon ranks 19th in CU history in career catches (99) and receiving yards (1,221). He added five catches for 39 yards in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Dec. 26, his final game as a Buff. (CU doesn't count bowl stats in career totals).

At USC, he joins a receiver group that is led by Drake London and Bru McCoy. Nixon is the only senior receiver on the team. "He brings that veteran leadership," Helton said. "Obviously he had a great experience at Colorado, very productive. That coaching staff did an amazing job with that kid, teaching him what it is to be a college football player, what it means to be a leader, and he's brought that veteran leadership to a group that's a little bit young." Helton is excited about Nixon's potential in the offense but also said the 5-foot-8, 190-pound speedster is practicing with others on kick and punt returns. "You can see (Nixon's explosiveness) on the field already in our offseason workout drills, what he brings to the table; the overall strength that he has at the position," Helton said. "Really is going to be a dynamic player for us. "We're so glad to have him. He's gonna be a productive member of our football team and I really appreciate his leadership." - Daily Camera

(DS#128 WR) rSr/2022

WR K.D. Nixon, Southern California
News Source: Daily Camera
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07/25/21 - *Jordan Addison, Jr/2023, Southern California, 5-11, 173 (DS#2 WR) + More +

Pitt wide receiver Jordan Addison will be asked to hoist a heavier load this year as one of the top pass catchers in the ACC. He'll enter his sophomore season as one of eight ACC players named to the watch list for the Biletnikoff Award, presented annually by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation to the FBS' outstanding receiver. As a freshman in 2020, Addison led Pitt in receptions (60), receiving yards (666) and receiving touchdowns (four). He was the first freshman in seven years (Tyler Boyd) to lead the Panthers in receiving.

Addison also led the nation's freshmen in catches per game (six) and total catches, earned Freshman All-American honors from three services and runner-up ACC Rookie of the Year. "He'll catch everything," coach Pat Narduzzi said. "I'm not sure I've seen him drop a ball in a practice, not many in a game and certainly Kenny (Pickett's) favorite target." - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

(DS#2 WR) Jr/2023

WR *Jordan Addison, Southern California
News Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
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07/25/21 - Travis Dye, rSr/2023, Southern California, 5-10, 210 (DS#45 RB) + More +

Oregon running backs Travis Dye and CJ Verdell are on the Doak Walker Award watch list. Initially omitted from the preseason watch list for the award, presented annually to the nation's top running back, the Ducks duo were added later Wednesday, per UO. It's the third straight year Verdell has been on the watch list and first such honor for Dye. Dye led Oregon with 443 rushing yards and 239 receiving yards in 2020. He has 1,840 career rushing yards, 467 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns. - The Oregonian

(DS#45 RB) rSr/2023

RB Travis Dye, Southern California
News Source: The Oregonian
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07/01/21 - Greedy Vance Jr., rSr/2025, Southern California, 5-10, 182 (DS#81 CB) + More +

Still toting one of the best names in college football, Vance is arguably third on the list at corner behind Kei'Trel Clark and Chandler Jones and could be a key piece to the depth at DB. The redshirt freshman should be in the rotation this year and has put some work in during the offseason to change his body, adding more bulk to his 5-foot-10 frame. - Courier Journal

(DS#81 CB) rSr/2025

CB Greedy Vance Jr., Southern California
News Source: Courier Journal
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06/30/21 - Greedy Vance Jr., rSr/2025, Southern California, 5-10, 182 (DS#81 CB) + More +

Louisville will sport one of the better cornerback duos in the ACC this year with Kei'Trel Clark and Chandler Jones. Together they combine for 28 passes defended in their Louisville careers, but U of L needs a third to spell its two upperclassmen at times, and it has that in Greedy Vance. Vance was a freshman last season, and will be again due to the extra year of COVID-19 eligibility, but he played in spurts for the Cardinals in 2020. The 5-foot-10 corner played in five games with one tackle. The feeling among the staff is that he's continued to improve since the season ended. Clark and Jones will play a majority of the snaps, but Vance has a bright future. He was a three-star recruit and will play an important role this year in cornerback depth. Junior college transfer Trey Franklin, who committed last weekend, will provide more depth, but until we see him on the field, I'm going with Vance. - Courier Journal

(DS#81 CB) rSr/2025

CB Greedy Vance Jr., Southern California
News Source: Courier Journal
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05/12/21 - Travis Dye, rSr/2023, Southern California, 5-10, 210 (DS#45 RB) + More +

Dye had 64 carries for a team-leading 443 yards and a touchdown last fall but it was his nine catches for an obscene 239 yards and four scores that separated him from most any other back in the Pac-12. Getting Dye a head start on routes of the backfield was clearly effective and offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead did so in a variety of ways to create favorable matchups last season. That should only increase next year. "Coach Moorhead used the phrase, 'It's time to take the training wheels off this year,'" Dye said. "I'm very excited; I cannot wait. He's utilizing me really well, the way I want to be utilized and it's going to be a really fun season." With Verdell likely getting a bigger share of carries at full health and Sean Dollars and Trey Benson also likely to see more reps to make up for the loss of Cyrus Habibi-Likio, the proportion of work Dye gets in the fall will be of note. He's clearly an effective weapon, it's a matter of what the balance is for carries and pass protection for the entire group. - The Oregonian

(DS#45 RB) rSr/2023

RB Travis Dye, Southern California
News Source: The Oregonian
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05/12/21 - MarShawn Lloyd, rJr/2024, Southern California, 5-09, 220 (DS#5 RB) + More +

The story was already written. MarShawn Lloyd was going to show up and live up to every shred of the grand expectations placed on him as South Carolina's highest-rated running back signee since Marcus Lattimore. He would lead the Gamecocks back from a forgettable 4-8 season in 2019 and make 2020 the start of USC's climb back to respectability. The story wound up being the five-millimeter strand of tissue, no bigger than the eraser on a pencil, threaded through Lloyd's knee and helping connect the bones of his left leg.

On the second day of preseason camp, less than a month before Lloyd would be unveiled to the world and would prove to all that the hype wasn't just that, Lloyd planted his cleat in the ground in a non-contact drill and felt something give. His left ACL was torn. Lloyd's season was over before it began. Nine months later, Lloyd is about to start the most important phase of his recovery. He was held out of spring practice because he wasn't completely ready, but the next month will light the beacon on what was taken from him last year. "I should be good around June. I'm going to go full-go pretty much in June, with workouts, conditioning, everything, cutting," Lloyd said. "Then by camp, I'll be ready to go." - The Post and Courier

(DS#5 RB) rJr/2024

RB MarShawn Lloyd, Southern California
News Source: The Post and Courier
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05/05/21 - *Drake London, Jr/2022, Southern California, 6-4, 219 (DS#5 WR) + More +

The most physically dominant skill position athlete in the conference at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds. London abandoned basketball this winter to focus on football and enters '21 as our pick for Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year. His 40-yard dash time a year from now will be crucial to his ultimate draft position, but we won't be surprised to see the DK Metcalf comparisons surface at the Combine. - Oakland Tribune

(DS#5 WR) Jr/2022

WR *Drake London, Southern California
News Source: Oakland Tribune
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