USC Football: Why Lincoln Riley Inked Least-Experienced Player He's Ever Had

The USC Trojans have been doing their due diligence on transfer portal players, along with players acquired via signing day. However, Lincoln Riley is taking a flyer on a player who does not have a ton of experience on the football field.

Riley said new OL signee Kalolo Ta’aga probably has the least amount of football experience of any player he’s ever signed.

But they loved the traits of the 6-foot-7, 265-pound former basketball player. He also had the desire to be great.
— Chris Treviño (@ChrisNTrevino) December 20, 2023

The Trojans signed OL Kalolo Ta’aga during signing day. The issue is that Ta’aga does not have a lot of experience on the football field, as he is mostly a former basketball player. That is not to say that plenty of players have transitioned from one sport to the next in high school and college, but it's a bit of a risk.

Riley revealed his reasoning behind the recruit being signed, and simply attributed it to the young player's "desire to be great."

Riley also revealed the traits of Ta’aga impressed him. Having a drive and passion to be great is certainly a strong reason to sign any player, but that will need to be coupled with skill.

Should Ta’aga turn out to be an amazing offensive lineman, Riley will look like a genius for having the foresight to bring in the former basketball player. Then again, he could also look a bit foolish if Ta’aga is too raw and cannot grasp the speed or athleticism needed to survive in the world of football.

Either way, Ta’aga will be with the Trojans, and he will have every opportunity to impress everyone with his sport transition.