Illinois defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard was offered a similar job at USC but turned it down, according to a source within the football program. “He didn’t want to to move to Los Angeles,” the source said. He was a familiar presence at the Coliseum and used to have a tailgate open to the public outside the Peristyle. He was a co-owner of the Far Bar … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

USC’s raid on UCLA continues as Bruins cornerback John Humphrey just committed to the Trojans. UCLA fans are probably fed up with D’Anton Lynn. Now a caveat: Two Pac-12 coaches tell me the UCLA cornerbacks in general were awful last season. But USC needs corners and Humphrey is tall (6-2). So Lincoln Riley said yesterday he will develop players. But in the meantime, USC will … Continue reading The UCLA To USC Pipeline Continues

Former UCLA safety Kamari Ramsey has committed to USC. This was expected ever since USC hired D’Anton Lynn. I have to do some research before I make any judgements on Ramsey, whom 247 lists as the No. 1 safety in the transfer portal. If you want to tell me, he is better than anyone USC has, than I’m inclined to believe it. But . . … Continue reading UCLA Safety Kamari Ramsey To USC

Lincoln Riley made some comments that stood out on Signing Day. “They will develop here at USC. With this staff, it’s not a matter of if. It is going to happen.” What players has USC developed? Have any receivers developed? Tailbacks? Offensive linemen? Cornerbacks? Linebackers? This is the guy who turned USC into “Transfer Portal U.” and he’s talking about developing players? Maybe he means … Continue reading Suddenly, The Word “Develop” Is Important At USC

Admit it, if Lincoln Riley sat in the Coliseum in his introductory press conference 2 years ago and said, “I promise after 2 seasons to deliver a high school recruiting class ranked No. 17 by 247 and No. 20 by Rivals,” fans would be howling. Once again, this Signing Day demonstrated Riley’s not the greatest high school recruiter. For some reason, some fans still try … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Lincoln Riley Isn’t A Special Prep Recruiter

Cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson of Mississppi State committed to USC. He has appeared in 25 career games with seven starts. Apparently, Mississippi State is the key to USC’s success because Bulldogs tailback Jo’quavious Marks also committed. He averaged 63 yards a game and I’m not sold yet on how big an impact he will make. Nicholson had 42 tackles and no interceptions in 12 games. His … Continue reading USC Becomes Mississippi State West