USC’s offseason camp will come to a close with Saturday’s spring game, the first opportunity for fans to see the program in action under new head coach Lincoln Riley. Even media have been limited to watching stretching and individual drills at camp this year, so we all will enter the game with many questions that will need answering.
So whether you’re someone who will take advantage of the free tickets to the spring game or will watch the national broadcast on ESPN, here is a list of things and players to keep your eye on Saturday:
1. QB Caleb Williams
Amid a wave of transfers into the program since Riley’s arrival, Williams was the clear headliner. The potential Heisman candidate is a big-game player, leading Oklahoma to a wild comeback against Texas and an Alamo Bowl win over Oregon. So what does he do in his first appearance at USC? And how is his chemistry developing with receivers and other targets?
2. Running back rotations
It’s a spring game, so there will be more rotating than the fall. But we might be able to gleam information as to how Travis Dye, Darwin Barlow and Austin Jones are used. Who’s carrying on first down? On short yardage? Who’s out there on third-and-long?
3. Top targets
USC’s receiver room underwent one of the biggest transformations this offseason. Drake London is gone, and transfers Mario Williams, Brenden Rice and Terrell Bynum are here. So who gets the lion’s share of targets? Who lines up where on the field? Can returners like Kyle Ford or Kyron Ware-Hudson make their mark?
(Note: WRs Gary Bryant Jr. and Michael Jackson III both dealt with injuries late in camp, so their participation Saturday is in doubt.)
4. DB shuffling
This group – cornerbacks in particular – will be difficult to grade due to a lack of bodies and the multiple responsibilities many are learning as they shuffle around between corner, nickel and safety. But that’s what to watch: Who moves around from position to position, and who settles into one role?
5. CB Domani Jackson
We’re not sure if the former five-star recruit will be a full participant Saturday after a knee injury prematurely ended his senior season at Mater Dei. But if he is able to play, it will be fascinating to see if Jackson is ready to contribute right away as a true freshman.
6. LB Shane Lee
The Alabama transfer has drawn rave reviews for his leadership ability in the locker room and on the field. Saturday will be the first chance to see how the former freshman All-American performs on the field for the Trojans.
7. Edge rushers
This is a new position for the USC defense under coordinator Alex Grinch and position coach Roy Manning. Saturday will be our first taste of how it is utilized and how it fits the skill sets of Korey Foreman and Auburn transfer Romello Height.
8. DL Tyrone Taleni
The Kansas State transfer felt like a depth addition when he committed to USC this winter. But the senior has impressed the USC coaching staff and could be in line for a serious role.
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9. DB Max Williams and DL Brandon Pili
Williams (ACL) and Pili (Achilles) missed last season with serious injuries. So how they perform in a semi-game atmosphere Saturday will portend whether or not they are ready to contribute in 2022.
USC spring game
When: Noon Saturday
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
How to attend: Download tickets at usctrojans.com/springfootball
How to watch: ESPN