Lincoln Riley updates status of USC linebackers Mason Cobb, Eric Gentry
The USC Trojans took the field against the Nevada Wolf Pack this past Saturday without the services of inside linebackers Mason Cobb and Eric Gentry. Both missed the game due to injury and, according to head coach Lincoln Riley, are on the fence when it comes to playing against Stanford this weekend.
“We’re hopeful,” Riley said when asked about their potential availability. “I would honestly, right now, today, put them both in the ‘questionable’ world.”
Riley said neither has a “green light” to play on Saturday. But added that neither has been ruled out. Riley is typically very guarded when it comes to injuries, so it’s not surprising he would leave their final status for Saturday still up in the air.
“They’ve both progressed well,” Riley said. “Today will probably tell a lot of the tale if they’re able to keep that progression going and feel like they’re going to be ready to go out there and make plays. Hopeful to have them both.”
USC’s inside linebacker position responded well to not having Cobb or Gentry available against the Wolf Pack. The Trojans started true freshman Tackett Curtis and junior Raesjon Davis. Curtis was ejected early in the second quarter for targeting and replaced by veteran Shane Lee.
Lee and Davis helped the Trojans lock up the Wolf Pack running game. Nevada finished with just 49 yards rushing on 38 carries against the Trojans. Leading rusher Sean Dollars managed just 33 yards. Lee finished with a game-high 10 tackles, including a sack. Davis had four tackles and played a team-high 60 snaps on defense. It was the most playing time Davis has received since joining the Trojans as a highly-regarded recruit in the 2021 class.
Reserve linebacker Chris Thompson Jr. also saw some action at inside linebacker for the Trojans. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch was pleased with what the position delivered without Cobb, who started the season-opener, and Gentry, a starter all last season.
“I really highlight the linebackers last week,” Grinch said, pointing to Davis specifically. “For him to get an opportunity like that and kind of run the show and make some plays along the way…was pleased with those guys stepping up.”
Cobb finished the opening game against San Jose State with six tackles, including two for loss. Gentry was used more sparingly in that game and finished with two tackles, but made a significant impact for the Trojans’ defense.
