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Lincoln Riley explains where he sees needs in USC's roster that must be addressed

20200517_134556by:Justin Rudolph•04/27/22

USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley has dipped and dabbled in the transfer portal this offseason. And all of his activity in it could lead one to believe that the Trojans head man could take another dive into it over the summer. So, if Riley does decide to utilize the transfer portal over the summer, what does that mean for current Trojans on the roster? Well, after the Trojans’ spring game, Riley explained where he sees needs in USC’s roster that must be addressed over the summer.

“I’ve told the team this. I don’t know if there’s like one position where we’re so anemic that we can’t compete right now,” said Riley. “I just think it’s just we need a little bit everywhere if that makes sense. I think of the bodies that we’re gonna take. It’s gonna be pretty spread out within the team. You’re talking a guy here, guy there to add.”

“We want to build a roster that’s gonna last. Not build a roster that is gonna be great for one game here, one game there… Every guy matters; every roster spot matters; every single player matters… The point that really has to be understood the guys that we have right now have set the foundation. The guys that we have right now, we are really balanced. Now, we want to add a few guys to them, but they built up to this point.”

USC will open its season on Sept. 3 against Rice at home. That will be the official beginning of the Lincoln Riley era at The Colesium, looking to get out to a 1-0 start. Arizona State will be the first Pac-12 team they will face at The Colesium, while Notre Dame will be the season finale. But before any of that happens, Riley will undoubtedly give his team a hard look over the summer and make whatever moves necessary.

Riley has high hopes for USC offensive line, running game

It took a little while for head coach Lincoln Riley to start tossing out praise this spring. But by the end of USC’s 15 practices, including its spring game this past Saturday, the USC head coach is clearly optimistic about the Trojans’ offensive line and potential in the run game heading into the offseason.

The running game wasn’t dominant on Saturday. But the three running backs and offensive line units showed enough to believe that USC will attempt to run the ball much more this season compared to the last four. And it will also do it far more successfully.

“I think we’re going to be capable of running the ball very well,” Riley said after the spring game.