By way of the primary two weeks of USC’s preseason soccer camp, Prophet Brown had established himself as one of many early standouts in a crowded cornerback room.
However Brown’s breakout was minimize quick this week, when the redshirt junior suffered a noncontact harm throughout USC’s follow that’s anticipated to maintain him out for the foreseeable future.
The timeline for his return stays unsure. USC coach Lincoln Riley advised the staff would positively be with out him “for the primary few video games” however was nonetheless “hopeful to get him again right here in some unspecified time in the future.”
“Hate it for him as a result of he’s been taking part in rather well,” Riley mentioned. “Clearly has had one of many extra speedy ascents [this fall] by way of all of the years that he’s been right here.”
USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn had simply singled out Brown on Wednesday night time as “one of many guys we belief most on protection.”
“He’s taken a giant step,” Lynn mentioned. “Outdoors of [safety] Kamari [Ramsey], I might say there’s nobody on the again finish that is aware of the protection fairly like him.”
Brown had taken reps in any respect three nook spots for the reason that starting of camp, however was broadly believed to be the favourite to begin at slot nook. The one different participant on USC’s roster with greater than a handful of snaps within the slot throughout his school profession is switch nook DJ Harvey.
Lynn mentioned on Wednesday that Harvey was getting some reps at slot nook.
“He’s a man from a talent set standpoint that may do all three [corner positions],” Lynn mentioned. “So we’re making an attempt to get him as many reps at these slots as potential, to attempt to see which one is his finest spot.”
Chasen Johnson, a switch from Central Florida, and DeCarlos Nicholson had been each anticipated to compete for outdoor nook spots and have minimal expertise within the slot.
Till Friday, USC had felt fairly good about its depth on the place. However dropping Brown is a big blow, one that can put extra strain on younger defensive backs to contribute early.
Riley additionally talked about Braylon Conley and Marcelles Williams as corners who impressed in camp and will step up in Brown’s place.
Feeling good up entrance
At the beginning of camp, no place on USC’s roster appeared, on paper, to be as huge of a priority because the offensive line, the place the Trojans have to interchange three starters from a gaggle that already struggled a yr in the past.
However nearing the halfway level of camp, Riley mentioned he feels higher about depth up entrance than he did within the spring.
“I like this group loads,” Riley mentioned. “Some younger guys which have actually come on quick. Give credit score to Coach [Zach] Hanson for the event of those guys as a result of we’ve received some guys who’re quickly enhancing.”
Amongst those that have shocked Riley: Guards Hayden Treter and Micah Banuelos, each of whom have handled accidents since coming to USC.
Each will doubtless be wanted this season, given the dearth of confirmed choices in any other case.
And many others.
Star wideout Ja’Kobi Lane [unspecified injury] has but to totally take part in USC’s preseason practices, however is anticipated to start “ramping up” within the coming days, Riley mentioned.
