Greg Burns on USC's three-way CB competition between Olaijah Griffin, Chris Steele and Isaac Taylor Stuart: 'I don't want you to relax'

USC is building its depth at cornerback. Entering training camp, Greg Johnson seemed destined to occupy one side with Olaijah Griffin likely manning the opposite. The development of Isaac Taylor-Stuart and obvious potential of Chris Steele was enough to encourage the staff to move Johnson to nickel.

Griffin, meanwhile, has been USC's best corner through the first month of the season while Taylor-Stuart and Steele have steadily improved while in a timeshare on the opposite side. The trio just hasn't been healthy at the same time in a few weeks.

Taylor-Stuart missed the Utah game with a concussion. Griffin went down in the same game with a back injury that kept him off the field this past week versus Washington -- which Taylor-Stuart played. It was the latter's best game, with the Trojans holding Washington's Jacob Eason to 180 passing yards.

"I thought ITS had an outstanding game from the standpoint of, had a couple things come his way and he competed and challenged for it and made some plays," defensive backs coach Greg Burns said. "Those things are good because now you can put it on film and say, I did that. Good, let's move to the next situation."

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The one that many wonder about is who will start against Notre Dame. Taylor-Stuart had claimed the majority of snaps over Steele when all three were available, while Griffin consistently stayed on the field the most. He returned to practice Tuesday and figures to remain in the starting lineup. Burns just isn't making any promises, especially now that he has some depth to work with.

He hasn't decided how the snaps will be divvied up moving forward, believing competition has likely forced each player to elevate his game.

"They have to. That’s what this thing is based on," Burns said. "I don't want you to relax. I want you to understand clearly that you're just going first. I didn’t say you were a starter. And then you could easily be, not necessarily replaced, but if someone’s outworking you, Why should they not get the opportunity?"

Freshman Max Williams made the most of his first one this past Saturday. Starting in place of Greg Johnson, Williams recorded a sack and forced a fumble at the goal line in the first quarter. Johnson, who was suspended for violating a team rule, reclaimed his spot in the second quarter and played the majority of the game thereafter.

Burns said he wasn't surprised with Williams' contribution given how he practices. Helton and Pendergast noted though that the job still belongs to Johnson. Perhaps Williams will win some more snaps moving forward. His development also means Chase Williams can focus strictly on safety, where USC has even less depth.

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