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USC receiver Makai Lemon earns Paul Hornung National Player of the Week honors

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney15 hours agoErikTMcKinney
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon catches a touchdown pass against Michigan State
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon catches a touchdown pass against Michigan State (acscottphotography/WeAreSC)

USC wide receiver Makai Lemon was named the Paul Hornung National Player of the Week following his standout showing in a 45-31 win over the Michigan State Spartans this past Saturday night. The Paul Hornung Award has been given annually since 2010 to college football’s most versatile player.

Lemon accounted for 225 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns on 16 touches against the Spartans. He caught eight passes for 127 yards and a touchdown, rushed twice for 11 yards and a score, returned three kickoffs for 64 yards and a punt for 23 yards. It was Lemon’s second 100-yard receiving game this season and his second game scoring multiple touchdowns.

It was Lemon’s first real opportunity to get something going on a punt return this season. He still hasn’t quite been able to flash the big-time kickoff return ability that made him one of the most dangerous players in the country there last season. He took on a bigger responsibility at receiver this week with fellow starter Ja’Kobi Lane sidelined. Lemon made a few critical receptions, including a key fourth-down catch along the sideline to keep a drive moving.

“He’s a versatile guy,” head coach Lincoln Riley said of Lemon this week. “He’s one of those guys that you have a lot of confidence in his ability to execute, regardless of where he’s playing. He’s a smart player, and so he’s able to play multiple positions for us — slot and outside and different sides of the ball. He’s done a good job becoming that really versatile player that we feel like we can use.

“Makai is a dependable player,” Riley continued. “There’s always a lot of confidence that he’s going to be where he’s supposed to be and he’s going to win those one-on-one battles that you would expect one of your better receivers to win.”

No USC player has won the Hurnung Award in the 15 years it’s been given. It went to Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter each of the past two seasons.

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz