USC RB Transfer Looking To Make His Mark Within The Offense
The USC Trojans scoured the transfer portal this past offseason with the hopes of adding to its talented stable of running backs. The goal was simple: Sign a rusher with experience who can pair nicely next to returning senior Austin Jones.
At the conclusion of the search, the Trojans were elated to come away with MarShawn Lloyd -- a player who ironically played at USC (South Carolina) last season.
The Wilmington, Del. native was a 247Sports 4-star prospect coming out of famed DeMatha Catholic HS. He shocked many when signing with South Carolina over a host of other schools (including Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State).
A torn ACL as a true freshman hindered Lloyd's progress. Over the last two years in Columbia, Lloyd accrued a combined 801 yards in 175 carries (4.6 YPC). This included 10 rushing touchdowns (nine last year) in addition to a total of 21 grabs for 220 yards.
He was the Gamecocks' leading rusher a season ago -- and compiling a 5.2 YPC average certainly isn't anything to scoff at. Though injuries plagued Lloyd's career at South Carolina, the Trojans are hoping he can become a real difference-maker in the Pac-12.
2022 Stats For Lloyd (9 Games): 111 carries for 573 yards (5.2 YPC) ; 9 rushing TDs ; 18 REC for 176 yards (9.8 YPC)
Lloyd is ready for a fresh start. The allure of playing as a key cog in Lincoln Riley's offense certainly was a major motivator in transferring to USC. When speaking to the media at a recent practice, Lloyd spoke glowingly about the scheme and how he'd fit into it -- calling it a "Great, great offense."
"It's super cool to be able to be in this offense. I'm just super excited."
- MarShawn Lloyd
Stylistically, Lloyd is a bit different from the incumbent Jones. He's listed at 5-feet-9, 210 pounds. He has a compact frame, and runs with a low center of gravity. As such, it makes Lloyd tough to bring down on first contact. Mentioned in the video above, Lloyd is thrilled over the possibility of bringing some "elusiveness" and "breakaway speed" to the offense.
Lloyd did mention one point of emphasis that the entire running back corps can work on:
"Ball security. As well as pass protection. Pass protection is the No. 1 thing that can help a running back."
It'll be fascinating to see who ultimately takes the first-team reps at RB during USC's highly anticipated season opener Aug. 26 versus San Jose State. Regardless, we expect both Lloyd and Jones to share the carries pretty evenly.
