As USC football fans trickle into the Coliseum on Saturday morning, many will be on the lookout for No. 16.
That’s the number worn by Tanook Hines, the team’s top returning wide receiver whose status remained in doubt on the eve of the Trojans’ season opener.
While coach Lincoln Riley had said earlier this month that Hines was expected back from an unspecified offseason medical procedure for the team’s game against San Jose State, his return now seems less assured.
Riley said on Thursday that Hines had been increasing his activity in practice over the last 10 to 14 days and that his status would be determined before the game.
“He’s definitely progressed enough to kind of look like himself, which has been great,” said Riley, adding that knowing there’s so many games ahead could also factor into the decision about whether Hines plays.
“He’s close, there’s no question. I mean, if he plays this game, that’s great, and if he doesn’t, he’s certainly not far away.”
Hines, who made 34 catches for 561 yards and two touchdowns as a true freshman last season, was listed as a possible starter on the depth chart the Trojans released Wednesday evening, given the “OR” designation alongside Corey Simms.
The other starting receivers were listed as freshmen Trent Mosley and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, part of a youth movement that will involve as many as five true freshman starters and 13 across the two-deep. The other freshmen listed as starters were tight end Mark Bowman and defensive end Luke Wafle, with cornerback Elbert “Rock” Hill IV given the “OR” designation alongside redshirt sophomore Chasen Johnson
“We have a lot of freshmen that are gonna play some significant snaps,” Riley said, “which is great, and I think they’re ready for it — I know they are.”
Were there common traits among the freshmen expected to immediately contribute?
“I would say the ones that are gonna play a lot have shown a competitive maturity combined with a good sense of humility,” Riley said, “and coming in and working for anything that they want to earn, and that’s been cool to see out of that young group so far.”
True freshman Madden Riordan was listed as a backup at both safety spots, which RIley said was partly a function of Kendarius Reddick and Marquis Gallegos being unavailable for unspecified reasons. Riley said Alex Graham and Kennedy Urlacher, listed as nickelbacks on the depth chart, could also be moved around in the secondary as needed.
“We do have a little bit more flexibility,” Riley said, “than maybe how a depth chart would present it there.”
The Trojans will also be without center Kilian O’Connor, who is out for the season because of an injury, and defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart, who is out for at least the season opener because of an injury. Tobias Raymond will make his first career start at center, and Alex VanSumeren and Jide Abasiri are listed as the starters at defensive tackle.
