USC landed their third running back commitment of the year as Birmingham (Van Nuys, Calif.) standout Trajuan Briggs has committed to the Trojans. Briggs chose USC after narrowing his choices to the Trojans and Cal Bears.
“It came down to two things for me,” Briggs said. “One was location, I wanted to stay close to home and USC is in my backyard. The other is the competition at SC. USC has so much talent and that’s something I thrive on.
“They have some good running backs but I’m looking forward to competing against them. I think that’s how you become better and that’s important to me. I’m coming in with a hungry attitude and ready to bring it when I get there.”
Briggs said his original plan was to go through the process a bit and take his visits but he deiced to pull the trigger when he knew SC was the place for him.
“I just didn’t want to waste anyone’s time,” Briggs said. “I knew SC was where I wanted to be and I prayed on it and just had a total peace about it. I figured why put it off when I’m comfortable with the decision.
“It’s funny, early on, I had no interest in USC because I was raised in a UCLA family. All that changed after going to a Spring practice and once they offered me, they immediately jumped to the top of my list. It’s funny, my family said they’re cool with my decision but don’t plan to go to any games. I think they’re serious but we’ll see.”
Briggs had a big junior year rushing for 1,513 yards and 21 touchdowns. He’s a power back with speed and has the frame to add significant size to his 5-11,
195 pound frame. He has been compared to former Cal running back Marshawn Lynch in terms of his size and running style and is easily among the top backs in a loaded group of running backs in the California class of 2010.
ESPN.com/Scouts, Inc. evaluation of Briggs:
Briggs is a quality running back prospect with good measurables on paper. Looks a bit shorter than his listed height but is put-together, compact through his lower-body and built very low to the ground. Has a strong, thick lower-base which assists his good balance and body control; but we have yet to see the running power we thought would accompany it. Hits the hole fast and shows good in-line quicks picking and sliding through the initial traffic. Sees the smaller cutback creases open up and can decisively hit them without gearing down much. Very sudden runner. Shows very good burst when he decides to plant and go downhill. We feel he will be more productive running north-south at the next level instead of bouncing it east-west. Shows good lateral foot-quickness stretching outside but does show some hip stiffness trying to changing direction sharply. Overall, lacks the power you would expect with his great momentum through the hole coupled with his solid frame and low center of gravity. Gets tripped up a lot on lower-leg tackles and we did not see him break through or spin his way out of a lot initial contact. A bit of a short-strider in the second level and lacks great top-end speed and elusiveness. At this time, Briggs projects to be a nice change-of-pace runner at the next level and eventually maybe a guy who could carry the load if he can increase his running strength.
