Marc Tyler working his way back to the field

With injuries a common theme among the “tailback stable” over the spring, Tyler and red-shirt freshman Curtis “Moody” McNeal took center stage.
 
The offense moved on without a hitch, giving onlookers a chance to see just how talented and loaded this group of backs is.
 
Spring has now come and gone, and Tyler has begun the summer training that will help ease the transition into the always feared fall camp.
 
“They’ve been going pretty good,” said Tyler.  “I feel healthy.  I’ve been taking care of my body.  I’ve been watching a lot of film, and this being my third year even though I’m going to be a red-shirt sophomore, I can see everything more clearly.
 
“I know what I have to do now, so I’m looking forward to camp.”
 
With throwing sessions absent defensive backs, the offensive skills players have been given valuable time to develop a feel for one another.
 
“This is all about timing,” Tyler said of the informal workouts.  “For the running backs, it’s working on my routes and footwork.  That’s pretty much it.”
 
Tyler has battled his fair share injuries over the course of his short tenure at USC, although he now looks to be 100% and ready for camp.
 
“I feel good right now,” he said.  “I always say that and something always goes wrong.  I’ve been stretching and running a lot, doing more rehab.  So when camp comes I won’t have any injuries pop up.”
 
When it comes to Tyler and his goals for the summer and camp, the mission is simple, gain the confidence of the coaching staff.
 
“I just want to show the coaches that I know all my stuff,” he said.  “I want them to know they can trust me when they put me out there.  I just want to go out there and be consistent.”
 
With the one-two combination of McNeal and Tyler, fans got the chance to witness what could be.  WeAreSC asked Tyler if he thought he showed the coaches that he could play as the number one back should the situation present itself.
 
“I feel like I showed them that,” Tyler said of him showing the coaches he could play at the top of the depth chart.  “I feel in order for you to play they need to have trust in you.  I feel like a couple of games in the end I did pretty good.
 
“I feel like I’m a game-time player.  When the game comes around I’ll be there.”
 
The Lancaster native has placed a premium on his speed over the summer, looking to display the effects of his work.
 
“I’m working on my speed,” said Tyler of possible areas for improvement.  “I had my best years in high school when I was running track.  So I’ve been running a lot and getting my speed up.”
 
Has he noticed a difference?
 
“Yeah, I feel good,” answered Tyler.