From Bryce Dixon’s dismissal to Taylor McNamara’s and Daniel Imatorbhebhe’s transfers to the Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick’s unpredictability, the tight end position has been a whirlwind for USC in 2015.
Enter Connor Spears, the walk-on from Columbia. The redshirt sophomore has been undeterred by the chaos and determined to capitalize on his perfect timing.
“I don’t know if there’s ever been a better time for a walk-in to come in at a position at USC than this,” he said.
In the near future, Marques Tuiasosopo’s entire unit will arrive and a pecking order will materialize. Over the past five months, Spears has done his part to stabilize the position as much as possible, assuming a leadership role and directing the newcomers through offseason workouts. He’s also dedicated himself to the weight room and added much-needed bulk to what is now a 6-6, 255-pound frame.
“I’m just trying to get the position back to the caliber of USC football.
We caught up with Spears recently to get his thoughts on all the turnover, his development and Tyler Petite.
Tight end is wide open right now. Where do you fit in there?
CS: “I think spring was big for me and Jalen as well, in trying to get familiar with the position and how we fit in with the offense. I think with the guys coming in, tight end can be a big position in the offense.”
What has it been like to see all the movement around you?
CS: “It’s been a pretty wild year for the tight ends. As far as what I think about it, I’ve walked into a pretty good opportunity, as have the other available tight ends. I love Bryce and Jalen and they’ve walked into some sticky situations, but that hasn’t changed any thoughts I have for them. I love them like brothers. We want to get them out here, but we’re going to do what we can and just try to win games.”
What do you think you need to show the coaches to earn a job in the rotation?
CS: “I think I just have to show that I’m comfortable at the position and comfortable at this level of play and can compete with the best of them, even though I’m not a scholarship guy.”
How different is it for you from playing in the Ivy League?
CS: “There are a lot of differences. Most of it is the talent and the size of the guys. The guys out here are world class. In the Ivy league you get flashes of it every now and then but here it’s play in and play out. There’s 11 guys on the field that can make a play and there’s 11 guys on the field who are absolute competitors and incredible football players. And that’s every team in the Pac-12.”
What is your first impression of Tyler Petite?
CS: “He’s been great so far. He’s come out and competed and he can be a big part of the offense the next couple years. He can be a great tight end here.”
It’s hard for a true freshman to be ready to play immediately, especially without spring practice. Does he look like someone that can make that leap?
CS: “I think so. He’s got the body and he’s physical. It’ll take some time this summer and camp, but with the coaching staff we have, Tui and the strength coaches, and hopefully I can help him get up to speed, I think he can be ready come fall.”
Enter Connor Spears, the walk-on from Columbia. The redshirt sophomore has been undeterred by the chaos and determined to capitalize on his perfect timing.
“I don’t know if there’s ever been a better time for a walk-in to come in at a position at USC than this,” he said.
In the near future, Marques Tuiasosopo’s entire unit will arrive and a pecking order will materialize. Over the past five months, Spears has done his part to stabilize the position as much as possible, assuming a leadership role and directing the newcomers through offseason workouts. He’s also dedicated himself to the weight room and added much-needed bulk to what is now a 6-6, 255-pound frame.
“I’m just trying to get the position back to the caliber of USC football.
We caught up with Spears recently to get his thoughts on all the turnover, his development and Tyler Petite.
Tight end is wide open right now. Where do you fit in there?
CS: “I think spring was big for me and Jalen as well, in trying to get familiar with the position and how we fit in with the offense. I think with the guys coming in, tight end can be a big position in the offense.”
What has it been like to see all the movement around you?
CS: “It’s been a pretty wild year for the tight ends. As far as what I think about it, I’ve walked into a pretty good opportunity, as have the other available tight ends. I love Bryce and Jalen and they’ve walked into some sticky situations, but that hasn’t changed any thoughts I have for them. I love them like brothers. We want to get them out here, but we’re going to do what we can and just try to win games.”
What do you think you need to show the coaches to earn a job in the rotation?
CS: “I think I just have to show that I’m comfortable at the position and comfortable at this level of play and can compete with the best of them, even though I’m not a scholarship guy.”
How different is it for you from playing in the Ivy League?
CS: “There are a lot of differences. Most of it is the talent and the size of the guys. The guys out here are world class. In the Ivy league you get flashes of it every now and then but here it’s play in and play out. There’s 11 guys on the field that can make a play and there’s 11 guys on the field who are absolute competitors and incredible football players. And that’s every team in the Pac-12.”
What is your first impression of Tyler Petite?
CS: “He’s been great so far. He’s come out and competed and he can be a big part of the offense the next couple years. He can be a great tight end here.”
It’s hard for a true freshman to be ready to play immediately, especially without spring practice. Does he look like someone that can make that leap?
CS: “I think so. He’s got the body and he’s physical. It’ll take some time this summer and camp, but with the coaching staff we have, Tui and the strength coaches, and hopefully I can help him get up to speed, I think he can be ready come fall.”
