Offense: WR Marqise Lee (Jr.)
When the thought of a freshman defensive back’s learning curve not being that high came up at Pac-12 Media Day in July, coach Jim Mora offered up one wide receiver as a counterpoint: Marqise Lee.
USC’s junior has made the UCLA game his masterpiece each of the last two seasons, snagging 13 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns in 2011 before torching the Bruins for 158 yards and a touchdown a year later.
This season hasn’t come as easily for the All-American, as Lee has struggled with a knee injury all season. Last week, he stayed home from USC’s trip to Colorado to heal up for this Saturday’s game and has missed a total of three games this season. Still, his burst and athleticism have the Bruins worried.
“I think that any time you play that position and you have a lower body issue it affects you, but he’s a guy that fights through it,” Mora said. “You can tell that he’s not 100 percent healthy, but that doesn’t mean a lot when you’re talking about Marqise Lee.”
With the nagging injury and without quarterback Matt Barkley, Lee’s production has seen a dip. In his nine games, he has just two 100-plus-yard games and two touchdowns. Still, the potential for a defensive nightmare looms. Last season, Lee had six games in which he recorded 150 receiving yards or more.
“Having a defensive background, I’ve watched a lot of great receivers in my day and he’s as special as they get,” Mora said. “The guy that he reminds me most of that I’ve faced in the NFL is Marvin Harrison. He has all the traits of a great receiver.”
Defense: DE Leonard Williams (So.)
A comfortable time in the UCLA backfield and trenches eludes the Bruins for another week. After surrendering nine sacks to Arizona State and dealing with continuous pressure from the likes of all-conference defensive tackle Will Sutton, UCLA draws reigning Pac-12 freshman Defensive Player of the Year in USC defensive end Leonard Williams.
According to USC interim coach Ed Orgeron, Williams packs a rare blend of speed and quickness into his 6-foot-5-inch, 290-pound frame. Orgeron’s assessment helps to explain the team’s comfort in moving the freshman from defensive tackle to defensive end for this season. Even with the position changes, Williams remains as disruptive as ever. In October, he was named one of 16 semifinalists for the Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s top defender.
Ranking second on USC in tackles with 65, Williams has demonstrated an appetite for ball carriers, assisting on 37 tackles as a defensive lineman. He may well become the first Trojan defensive lineman to lead his team in tackles for a season in over 40 years. Williams contributes a healthy amount of splash plays as well, leading the team with 13 tackles for losses and placing second with six sacks.
Compiled by Andrew Erickson and Emilio Ronquillo, Bruin Sports senior staff.