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USC Football: Lincoln Riley Reveals What Makes Him So Excited About Trojans Signing Class

Lincoln Riley loves an aspect of the new Trojans signing class.

Lincoln Riley made it a point to secure a huge element of the signing day class for the USC Trojans. That element is physicality. One of the biggest issues that the team had was the offensive and defensive lines being bullied throughout the 2023 season. 

It was either the defense not being able to create enough plays to stop big plays from happening, or the offensive line crumbling resulting in Caleb Williams having to throw outside of the pocket. 

Either way, the lines need big-bodied and physical players, and that is exactly what Riley made a point of when he targeted signing-day players. When discussing 9 of the 19 players signed, Riley commented on those who play on the line of scrimmage. 

Riley described them as, “Large human beings. Large, large human beings. People that are very, very tough to move and they’re good at moving other people.”

Via Lincoln Riley, Antonio Morales - The Athletic

The large human beings he is referring to are Center Jason Zandamela and edge rusher Kameryn Fountain. Both are physical and aid both lines. However, they are the only players in the top 300. 

The rest of the signess are not ranked that high, so Riley could find himself in a precarious situation if they do not work out in the way that he hopes. Either way, building up both offensive and defensive lines will be crucial as the Trojans enter the Big Ten in 2024.