Miller Moss reveals Lincoln Riley lesson that helped him become better leader even as a backup
You don’t have to be a star to be a leader. USC head coach Lincoln Riley understands this and taught it to the Trojans’ backup quarterback, Miller Moss.
“The biggest thing that I’ve talked about with Lincoln was when you want to be the starter, you can’t wait until you’re starting to act like a starter. That’s one thing I’ve really tried to work on this summer is like, lead your group at all times. Start it on your own. I think that’s going to really help me take the next step to becoming a leader,” Moss said.
Moss could be a starter at many programs in the country. The redshirt sophomore exited high school as a four-star prospect and the No. 11 quarterback in the Class of 2021. Unfortunately for him, he’s competing against Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams for the starting spot behind center.
While Moss has yet to start for the Trojans, he’s succeeded in his limited minutes on the field. In seven appearances, Moss has 20 completions for 233 yards and touchdowns. Moreover, Moss is yet to throw an interception in his collegiate career.
Although Moss is the backup, he embraces his leadership role, even if that means disagreeing with Willaims occasionally.
“Me and Caleb tend to work pretty well together. If he calls the protection wrong, I’m going to tell him, but that’s just the relationship. We have a very positive working relationship, and I have a ton of respect for him.
It’s never like, ‘Hey, you got this wrong.’ [Instead], it’s like, ‘Hey, we’re working collaboratively to get this right to get everything together,'” Moss said. “I tend to agree on a lot of things with the other leaders. If that time came when we had a disagreement, I wouldn’t shy away from speaking my mind.”
For now, Moss will continue to exercise his body and mind in preparation for his inevitable moment.
“I think I’ve been dealt kind of a strange hand when it comes to my career so far in college football,” Moss admitted. “But like I’ve said before, I have a tremendous commitment to the school and a lot of love for this university and this program, and I see myself being able to accomplish every goal I set out when I got here. Although it may take a different path than I had originally thought.
“I mean obviously I want to play every single week … It’s not fair to look at a team and think they might be a lesser opponent and I’m more likely to play more,” Moss explained. “I think I prepare every single week like I’m gonna be playing in the game, like my number may be called upon, and I think I’m just as ready no matter Week 1, Week 7, whatever it is,” Moss said.