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USC Safety Xavion Alford to Enter the Transfer Portal

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney12/05/22ErikTMcKinney
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Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

USC safety Xavion Alford announced Monday that he will enter his name into the transfer portal. The redshirt sophomore spent two years with the Trojans after transferring in from Texas ahead of the 2021 season. He did not see the field during the 2022 season due to injuries.

Alford was a significant contributor during the 2021 season. He began the year as a backup safety as the USC secondary was loaded with veterans. But when that group struggled, Alford was one of the younger players called upon to step up.

He played in 11 games and drew two late-season starts for the Trojans. Alford led USC with three interceptions, recorded three pass breakups and finished with 31 tackles. For his work, he was named USC’s 2021 Co-Defensive Perimeter Player of the Year.

Heading into 2022, Alford was expected to win or at least compete for a starting safety spot next to standout Calen Bullock. But the 6-foot, 190-pound safety couldn’t stay on the field during spring ball. USC head coach Lincoln Riley addressed Alford’s absence from the practice field in early November, saying the safety had undergone a medical procedure and would not be expected to play this year.

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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