Recapping Trojan Twitter
Organized football might still be a ways off, but there are always news and notes when it comes to USC football. Here, we're catching you up on anything you might have missed in recent days when it comes to the Trojans on social media, including a rousing rendition of Tusk, a 2011 thriller rewatch and a strong in-state recruiting pitch.
Tusk
If you could use a pick-me-up today, the Trojan Marching Band absolutely provides it with this socially-distant rendition of Tusk. This was very well done by all involved.
Look Who's Back
USC has been very good recently about showcasing its players--both former Trojans in the NFL and current Trojans coming back to campus. That continued this week as USC made sure that attention was focused on what the Trojans have coming back in the middle of the defensive line, where position coach Vic So'oto hopes he'll find some veteran leadership and overall strength.
Jay Tufele, Marlon Tuipulotu and Brandon Pili are hoping to take their games to another level under So'oto.
USC will also welcome back wide receiver Tyler Vaughns, who might have a chance to finish his USC career in the top two in both career receptions and receiving yards. He's already No. 9 all-time at USC in receptions, and needs 64 catches to pass Robert Woods. He'll need a massive season to catch Marqise Lee when it comes to receiving yards, but a 1,000-yard season would put him comfortable at No. 2 all-time.
But Vaughns will have some work to do because plenty of other USC receivers will be looking to put up numbers of their own. One of those is sophomore Drake London, who caught 39 passes for 567 yards and five touchdowns in 2019. London also plays basketball at USC, and the Trojans made sure to credit his efforts as a two-sport student-athlete.
It just so happens that USC is looking to add a two-sport athlete in the 2021 recruiting class, as Michael Trigg (Tampa, Fla./Carrollwood Day) is a four-star tight end and standout basketball player. Trigg is the nation's No. 154 overall football prospect. The Trojans made his top-10 list and are recruiting him in both sports, and London's early success on the football field and ability to play football and basketball at USC will certainly be things the Trojans use in their recruitment of the 6-foot-4, 230-pound tight end.
Take Back the West
USC coaches want to own the Los Angeles area, Southern California, and the entire state of California when it comes to recruiting. There's been no secret about that since the new defensive staff arrived. There are times when a picture is worth 1,000 words and with the revamped recruiting department churning out plenty of content, those two things collided and resulted in this graphic late last week.
USC's history of turning California prospect into national stars is unmatched by any college football program and these coaches are hoping to once again lock down the state and reel in every in-state prospect they covet. The Trojans were able to take another step toward that goal early last week, when they grabbed a verbal commitment from local four-star defensive back Jaylin Smith.
Plucking the Ducks
The 2011 season provided about as good of a finish to any season in USC history where the Trojans didn't make a bowl game.
Unable to participate in the post-season due to sanctions, USC had its opportunity to make a statement in Autzen Stadium against the No. 4 Oregon Ducks in late November.
It was fun to watch the first time around, but USC brought back Matt Barkley, Dion Bailey, Hayes Pullard and Robert Woods to give their thoughts and insights during a rewatch of the 38-35 win.
Bush is back
There was plenty of fanfare back in early June when USC was able to end the NCAA-mandated disassociation period tied to former running back Reggie Bush. USC has produced a few videos and graphics highlighting Bush's success at USC, and recently the department showcased a clip from Mark Sanchez' 4th and Forever program, where he spoke with Bush about some of their shared experiences at USC.
Incoming big man
Class of 2020 offensive tackle signee Courtland Ford won't be able to step on USC's campus until July 13 at the earliest, as incoming freshmen are part of USC's Phase 3 of returning to campus. But the big offensive tackle has been working hard to get ready to compete for playing time as a true freshman and he was able to spend some time working out with former Trojan offensive tackle Drew Richmond on Tuesday morning.
It's tough to see a true freshman stepping into a starting spot along the offensive line with the group USC has returning, but there are plenty of spots up for grabs on the depth chart and Ford has been hard at work to come in ready to contribute.
There's also certainly an advantage to him working out with Richmond, as the former lineman can give the incoming freshmen plenty of tips to make the transition as seamless as possible.
