It’s easy to say tailback Joe McKnight and guard O.J. Mayo are USC’s most-talented newcomers in their sports. But let’s look at some early indications beyond the hype.
On Monday, McKnight made a dazzling one-handed catch and later looked completely comfortable playing defensive back when players were having fun switching roles. It backs up what I heard from a coach familiar with McKnight’s career who said he could be the Trojans’ No. 1 cornerback if he played defense.
Later that night, Mayo played pickup games with his teammates and some college players Alex Stepheson of North Carolina, Joseph Taylor of Wyoming and Seketoure Henry of Nebraska. After the games finished, while everyone else left or rested, Mayo stayed on the court and methodically performed shooting drills until the gym closed.