When the Penn State scandal erupted and subsequently the Nittany Lion players could transfer right away without holding out a year, the University of Southern California Trojans were able to sign maybe the best player on the Penn State squad: Silas Redd. That move may have even bigger implications than originally thought.
'Minor'
D.J. Morgan, the swift scatback in the Trojan thin arsenal of running backs, will have surgery on his knee. The 5'10" 190 pound redshirt sophomore looks to be out for about a month - the knee surgery is said to be 'minor'. Head coach Lane Kiffin confirmed the knee surgery (source - Daily News).
Although the speed in the USC backfield will slow a bit, it's nice knowing that there are still high quality backs even with the loss of Morgan. Having 1,000-yard rushers Redd and Curtis McNeal gives the Trojans the security they were looking for in case something just like this knee surgery popped up.
Before Redd came along, Morgan was to be McNeal's backup and figured to see a lot of action although he had a knack for fumbling. Morgan is fast and in fact was on the USC track team this past spring as a hurdler (fifth in Pac-12 110-meter hurdles). He was also on a 4X100 relay team.
Prior surgery
Morgan had reconstructive surgery on his right knee in high school but it's not known if that is the same knee he's having surgery on again. He was healthy in spring practice and fall camp although he was having some minor problems at the end of fall camp. Morgan did carry the ball several times during the 49-10 romp over Hawaii last week including a nice 16 yard run.
The only other tailback on the active roster is Javorius Allen, the 6'1" 210 pound redshirt freshman from Florida.
If Morgan is out the reported three to four weeks, he would likely be back for the big Pac-12 South Division showdown on Thursday night at Utah (October 4th).
Sources - University of Southern California
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Daryle lived in Los Angeles Ca. most of his life and has been a longtime fan of USC and the Pac-12, having closely followed the Trojans since he was just a youngster. Fight On!
