USC Trojans Secure MarShawn Lloyd for Their Running Back Arsenal

The USC Trojans had been on the hunt through the transfer portal during the recent offseason, aiming to enrich their already impressive array of running backs. Their aim was straightforward: secure a skilled rusher with experience to complement senior Austin Jones, who’s returning for another season.

After an extensive search, the Trojans were thrilled to secure MarShawn Lloyd for their team—a twist of fate considering Lloyd’s previous stint with USC, albeit the one in South Carolina. Hailing from Wilmington, Delaware, Lloyd was a prominent 4-star prospect according to 247Sports, having graduated from the renowned DeMatha Catholic High School. His decision to choose South Carolina over other major contenders like Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State was a surprise to many.

Unfortunately, Lloyd’s promising start was marred by a torn ACL in his debut year, slowing down his progress. During his tenure at Columbia, Lloyd amassed a total of 801 yards across 175 carries, boasting a solid 4.6 yards per carry (YPC) average. Notably, he notched 10 rushing touchdowns, with nine occurring in the previous year, and added 21 receptions for 220 yards. His performance led him to become the top rusher for the Gamecocks last season, with a commendable 5.2 YPC average. Despite encountering injuries during his time at South Carolina, the Trojans are pinning their hopes on Lloyd’s potential to become a game-changer in the Pac-12 conference.

“It’s super cool to be able to be in this offense. I’m just super excited.”

– MarShawn Lloyd

In the 2022 season, Lloyd showcased his prowess with 111 carries amounting to 573 yards at a consistent 5.2 YPC rate. Additionally, he managed 9 rushing touchdowns and made 18 receptions, accumulating 176 yards with an average of 9.8 YPC. Now, with a fresh start on the horizon, Lloyd is eagerly anticipating his role in Lincoln Riley’s offensive strategies. Speaking to the media during a recent practice session, Lloyd expressed his admiration for the scheme, labeling it a “Great, great offense.”

“Ball security. As well as pass protection. Pass protection is the No. 1 thing that can help a running back.”

Differing in style from incumbent player Austin Jones, Lloyd stands at 5 feet 9 inches and weighs 210 pounds, possessing a compact build that affords him a low center of gravity. This stature makes him a tough target to tackle on the first contact. As he mentioned, he’s enthusiastic about adding a touch of “elusiveness” and “breakaway speed” to the Trojan’s offensive play, as seen in the linked video.

While focusing on his transition, Lloyd pointed out an area where the entire running back unit can improve. As anticipation mounts for USC’s season opener against San Jose State on August 26th, the competition for the primary running back position is a topic of interest. Nonetheless, both Lloyd and Jones are expected to evenly distribute the responsibilities on the field, contributing to the Trojans’ offensive prowess.