Highlights from interviews with freshmen following USC's win vs. Arkansas State ...
Ronald Jones II
--He said Isaac Whitney sprung him free with a great block on the perimeter on his 44-yard touchdown.
“It was a run right and I’m supposed to read the defensive end. He was sealed, so I go outside of it, thanks to Isaac, and got the touchdown. I was like, Oh my God, oh my God, is this really happening? … Coach always tells us trust our speed. On that play, I did. I was a little hesitant, having my first carries, but they (the coaches) made me feel real comfortable.”
--He is adapting to the college level.
“I think I was a more hesitant with things (early in practice). Usually I just try to run outside and beat everybody but it’s college now, you can’t do that. I have to actually go where the blockers are, otherwise I’m going to be on my own.”
--He said he was feeling a bit of homesickness during fall practice and wasn’t feeling right physically.
“I was just feeling a little dizzy and dazed for a couple days. I don’t know what was going on. I guess I was a little homesick with the food. I was just going through some things. I don’t know what it was. It felt like migraines. I’m just happy to be back. … I was definitely mad at myself because I felt like I was getting behind. It was really weird. I’ve never gone through anything like that.”
--He said he didn’t contemplate leaving.
“No sir, never that. I’m here to stay."
--The competition initially got to him, but he’s excited about working alongside veterans Tre Madden and Justin Davis.
“I was struggling a lot during camp, going against such talented players. But I think they made me better. … I know (they have) experience, so just to be on the field and play along those guys is great.”
--He assured his experience in L.A. has been positive thus far.
“It’s been a great one, other than the food. Everything else is nice. I love the campus, all the tutors, the coaching staff, the players, they really treat me like family. I just go to get some Whataburger and some Texas barbecue. I need some fried, greasy stuff.”
--Jones intimated he wasn’t eating enough. He likes In-N-Out, but it’s a bit far. He is hoping to check out Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles and Pink’s Hot Dogs.
--He believes he and the other two freshman tailbacks are complementary to each other.
“We all have different styles. Dom is more like the Darren Sproles, Ced is more like the LenDale White.
Osa Masina
--Moments after the game he still couldn’t believe he’d returned a fumble for a touchdown in his first game to help USC secure a blowout victory.
“Indescribable. It’s crazy that it’s happening. It’s still hitting me right now that it’s all happening.”
--Scouting and discipline were two primary factors behind the defense’s solid execution.
“We played as a team. We trusted each other, to know our alignment and assignments, and we trusted our coaches. They got us prepared this whole week. We knew everything. We knew what was coming.”
Marvell Tell
--Upon arriving at USC he noticed the term “faceless opponent” on a video screen in the locker room and it’s a message Steve Sarkisian has been preaching throughout the fall.
“The most important game is the next game, the one coming up. The most important day is today. That’s how we look at things. No matter who it is across that line of scrimmage, you’re going to give them all you got.”
Biggie Marshall
--His USC debut was an unforgettable feeling.
“It was a great experience having the opportunity to put on a Trojan helmet and run down the tunnel. It was one of the most memorable things I ever did for the last couple of years.”
--He felt some butterflies in his stomach early on but it wasn’t long before he felt at home on the field.
“I was kind of nervous. I had my mishaps but I got it together and started making plays. I play for big games. Having the opportunity to play Pop Warner for Snoop Dogg’s team, traveling across the world in high school playing against top teams, it prepared me for moments like this. It prepared me for when I get under the lights. No situation is too big for me as a player.”
--He allowed one reception and broke up two passes while playing more than expected given the absence of Adoree’ Jackson. Part of his learning process is figuring out how physical he can be. Mind you, Marshall was not flagged for any penalties.
“I had my times where I was able to impose my will, but sometimes I was overly aggressive. That’s where I have to go and watch film over the week and see what I need to clean up.”
--Being in a rotation with Jackson, Kevon Seymour and Jonathan locket enables all of them to not hold back when they’re on the field.
“It helps us go extra hard. Each and every play we’re in there we can go that extra mile.”
--He said the veterans have helped the younger players assimilate.
“The most important thing that’s helped me through the transition is the dudes around me. They help me become who I want to be.”
Ronald Jones II
--He said Isaac Whitney sprung him free with a great block on the perimeter on his 44-yard touchdown.
“It was a run right and I’m supposed to read the defensive end. He was sealed, so I go outside of it, thanks to Isaac, and got the touchdown. I was like, Oh my God, oh my God, is this really happening? … Coach always tells us trust our speed. On that play, I did. I was a little hesitant, having my first carries, but they (the coaches) made me feel real comfortable.”
--He is adapting to the college level.
“I think I was a more hesitant with things (early in practice). Usually I just try to run outside and beat everybody but it’s college now, you can’t do that. I have to actually go where the blockers are, otherwise I’m going to be on my own.”
--He said he was feeling a bit of homesickness during fall practice and wasn’t feeling right physically.
“I was just feeling a little dizzy and dazed for a couple days. I don’t know what was going on. I guess I was a little homesick with the food. I was just going through some things. I don’t know what it was. It felt like migraines. I’m just happy to be back. … I was definitely mad at myself because I felt like I was getting behind. It was really weird. I’ve never gone through anything like that.”
--He said he didn’t contemplate leaving.
“No sir, never that. I’m here to stay."
--The competition initially got to him, but he’s excited about working alongside veterans Tre Madden and Justin Davis.
“I was struggling a lot during camp, going against such talented players. But I think they made me better. … I know (they have) experience, so just to be on the field and play along those guys is great.”
--He assured his experience in L.A. has been positive thus far.
“It’s been a great one, other than the food. Everything else is nice. I love the campus, all the tutors, the coaching staff, the players, they really treat me like family. I just go to get some Whataburger and some Texas barbecue. I need some fried, greasy stuff.”
--Jones intimated he wasn’t eating enough. He likes In-N-Out, but it’s a bit far. He is hoping to check out Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles and Pink’s Hot Dogs.
--He believes he and the other two freshman tailbacks are complementary to each other.
“We all have different styles. Dom is more like the Darren Sproles, Ced is more like the LenDale White.
Osa Masina
--Moments after the game he still couldn’t believe he’d returned a fumble for a touchdown in his first game to help USC secure a blowout victory.
“Indescribable. It’s crazy that it’s happening. It’s still hitting me right now that it’s all happening.”
--Scouting and discipline were two primary factors behind the defense’s solid execution.
“We played as a team. We trusted each other, to know our alignment and assignments, and we trusted our coaches. They got us prepared this whole week. We knew everything. We knew what was coming.”
Marvell Tell
--Upon arriving at USC he noticed the term “faceless opponent” on a video screen in the locker room and it’s a message Steve Sarkisian has been preaching throughout the fall.
“The most important game is the next game, the one coming up. The most important day is today. That’s how we look at things. No matter who it is across that line of scrimmage, you’re going to give them all you got.”
Biggie Marshall
--His USC debut was an unforgettable feeling.
“It was a great experience having the opportunity to put on a Trojan helmet and run down the tunnel. It was one of the most memorable things I ever did for the last couple of years.”
--He felt some butterflies in his stomach early on but it wasn’t long before he felt at home on the field.
“I was kind of nervous. I had my mishaps but I got it together and started making plays. I play for big games. Having the opportunity to play Pop Warner for Snoop Dogg’s team, traveling across the world in high school playing against top teams, it prepared me for moments like this. It prepared me for when I get under the lights. No situation is too big for me as a player.”
--He allowed one reception and broke up two passes while playing more than expected given the absence of Adoree’ Jackson. Part of his learning process is figuring out how physical he can be. Mind you, Marshall was not flagged for any penalties.
“I had my times where I was able to impose my will, but sometimes I was overly aggressive. That’s where I have to go and watch film over the week and see what I need to clean up.”
--Being in a rotation with Jackson, Kevon Seymour and Jonathan locket enables all of them to not hold back when they’re on the field.
“It helps us go extra hard. Each and every play we’re in there we can go that extra mile.”
--He said the veterans have helped the younger players assimilate.
“The most important thing that’s helped me through the transition is the dudes around me. They help me become who I want to be.”
