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USC WR Makai Lemon among three Trojans' Core Values Players of the Week

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney06/17/25ErikTMcKinney
USC receiver Makai Lemon runs for a touchdown during a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights
USC receiver Makai Lemon runs for a touchdown during a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (acscottphotography/WeAreSC)

The USC Trojans unveiled another new motivational tactic this week in naming three Core Values Players of the Week. In the social media post, USC football announced that three student-athletes will be recognized each week for “exemplifying each of our program’s three core values.”

The statement reads in part: “These student-athletes actionably unify us into a familial band of brothers, choose to see the team’s mission as more valuable than their own personal ambition, and drive a contagious championship-level culture of discipline. Though their motivation is not praise, we honor these student-athletes publicly for the way they’ve worked privately.”

The three student-athlete football players recognized this week are wide receiver Makai Lemon and defensive linemen Jide Abasiri and Devan Thompkins.

It’s no surprise to see Lemon among the first players to earn this recognition. He’s been one of the hardest workers on the team since arriving ahead of the 2023 season and could be on the short list as options for team captain this season. Lemon led the Trojans in receptions (52) and receiving yards (764) last season and will have a shot to do it again in 2025.

Abasiri played some as a true freshman defensive tackle in 2024. Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn said this offseason that those snaps were very valuable for Abasiri in his push to make a bigger impact in 2025. Of all the 2024 true freshman who returned for 2025 spring ball, Abasiri was one of the standouts when it came to physical development over that first year (and he was already an impressive looking true freshman). That’s continued through spring and the summer as Abasiri should play a key role in a deep defensive line rotation.

Thompkins just continues to improve at USC after arriving with the 2022 class as something of a project and former basketball player. He saw extensive time last season after Bear Alexander elected to sit out the season. But the light really seemed to come on for him this spring and he was one of the defensive players mentioned the most by coaches as having taken the biggest jump and shown the most improvement from last fall.

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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