USC Trojans Lincoln Riley is the head coach and has a large presence in Sunday’s game between The. Carolina Panthers And Arizona CardinalsNot to mention the early NFL MVP race.
Riley’s NFL footprint may grow even more over the next few decades.
Riley played a major role in the creation of starting quarterbacks Kyler Murray (Cardinals), Baker Mayfield (Panthers). Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles() while he was coaching Oklahoma.
Murray and Mayfield will face off Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.4:05 p.m. ET, Fox(in a battle of 1-2 team). Hurts is one of the front-runners to be 2022 NFL MVP.
The current USC quarterback Caleb Williams Is on the early Heisman Trophy watch list He could be in line to join Mayfield (2018) and Murray (2019 Heisman winner) as the top pick of NFL draft when he turns eligible in 2024.
What’s Riley’s secret to QB development success? He could have developed an offense around his quarterbacks’ strengths, instead of forcing them to learn from a system. But there are other commonalities. Matt Rhule was the Carolina coach and faced Riley at Temple And Baylor, stated that all three are “alphas or leaders” in the NFL.
Rhule said that each style is unique and a credit to Riley who was a high school quarterback before a shoulder injury ended the dream of becoming a star in college football.
“He always tailored his offense for each quarterback. Rhule stated. “With Baker, it wasn’t as dropback. Kyler did the right thing [with his mobility] I haven’t seen anyone do it in the match against us.
“Jalen and his team adapted everything to him, including the quarterback runs and quarterback draws. This is the mark of an offensive coach.
Riley’s influence was not lost on Murray, Hurts, Mayfield and Hurts when they left Oklahoma. He still shares a special bond with his three NFL starting quarterbacks.
Riley stated, “I talk with them almost every week.” “I have the games usually on while I’m looking at film. If not, I’m checking in about every fifteen minutes to see how their drives are doing. When they play, I feel a bit like a nervous parent.
THER MAY BE Riley’s system is built around his quarterback strength, and this is a better example than Mayfield’s use of Mayfield.
Mayfield was not as dangerous with his legs than Hurts or Murray. Riley helped Mayfield to see how great he was as a leader, and playmaker.
Mayfield acknowledges that Riley would have made him where he is today if he hadn’t left. Texas Tech In 2014, he walked on to Oklahoma.
Mayfield stated that Mayfield was able to matchup play and put his players in the best position to win, do what their best at. “There are X and O, but it ultimately comes down to players. He definitely instilled that mentality in me.
Riley, ahead of Sunday’s matchup between Murray and Mayfield, noted their strong work ethic.
“They are both competitive and cutthroat. Both of them love football. Riley stated that they both enjoy preparation. I think they enjoy every moment behind the scenes, the meetings and the time spent with their teammates. It’s clear that both of them feel disappointed when they leave.
Mayfield rushed for 12,292 yards and 119 touchdowns in three seasons under Riley. Riley was also the Sooners’ offensive coordinator 2015-16 and Head Coach 2017-2018. Mayfield was the senior Heisman Trophy winner and the No. The 2018 NFL draft saw Mayfield selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns.
Although Riley struggled his first three Panthers games — ranking 32nd QBR (18.9), 31st in completion rate (51.9), respectively — Riley is a quarterback who hasn’t lost.
“To be very confident in what we do, to know what I like and, when it comes down down to it on the third down, when it is necessary to have it. [know] He said, “What play can I trust?” “In those circumstances, regardless of what the defense is doing. What do I know? And can I execute at an elite level?”
Mayfield explained that Hurts, Murray, and Mayfield were all ready to go immediately in the NFL. — Carolina Panthers reporter David Newton
HURTS SPENT HIS The first three college seasons Alabama Before transferring to Oklahoma, he was proud to be an Alabaman. He also noted that Oklahoma’s signal-callers are well-represented at NFL level. Mac Jones On the New England Patriots And Tua Tagovailoa On the Miami Dolphins.
There is no question that Hurts spent time with the Sooners was a crucial part of his development. It also exposed him to offensive concepts not readily available in college football.
“I believe going to Oklahoma and being in a position to see the world through his eyes is a great idea. [Riley] Hurts stated that he saw the game and had a completely different offensive philosophy. He had an uncanny ability to place players in positions to make plays. It wasn’t like a spread system or West Coast spread system. It was his. It was unlike anything I have ever seen and it is amazing what he did.
After Tagovailoa at Alabama lost his job, Hurts recovered in big ways. His senior season at Oklahoma saw him throw for over 3,800 yards with 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while rushing for 1,298 yard and 20 TDs. These numbers were better than his previous statistical season in Tuscaloosa in 2016, when he threw 2,780 yards, 23 TDs & nine interceptions while rushing for 954 yard and 13 scores.
He came in second place in the Heisman Trophy voting 2019 behind Joe Burrow And ahead of others Justin Fields, Chase Young, Jonathan Taylor, Trevor Lawrence Tagovailoa, before being picked 53rd overall by Eagles in 2020 NFL Draft.
Hurts stated, “I have a lot respect for Coach Riley.” “I have a lot respect for him and his time.” — Tim McManus, Philadelphia Eagles reporter
IT HAS BEEN FOUR Although it has been years since Murray played a down for Riley in the past, they still keep up with one another often.
Murray stated, “I talk to them all the time.”
While their conversations tend to revolve around life, Riley stated that he and Murray have a lot of fun talking about Murray winning the Super Bowl.
This may be possible partly because of Riley’s influence over Murray.
Murray was a skilled quarterback when he arrived to Norman, Oklahoma, in early 2016. Texas A&M. Murray’s growth was however accelerated by Riley. Murray stated, “He took it up to the next level.” Murray said that his knowledge of the game, how he coaches it and how he views it, as well as the relationships he has built with quarterbacks make him a great coach.
Murray was a Sooner player when he joined Mayfield’s Sooners. He sat beside Mayfield for two seasons, before taking over the starting position after Mayfield became a pro in 2018. Murray and Mayfield became best friends during this time. It’s a friendship that continues to be strong today. Murray expressed his delight at Mayfield’s return to the team, even though they don’t talk often during the season — their last contact was after Week 2 –
Murray was able to visit a former college teammate and is now the starting quarterback for another NFL team as a result of the Sooners’ system.
Murray stated, “It’s testament to the men that are in the league.” “I mean, obviously Jalen, who spent one-year with Coach, did his stuff, clearly doing his thing now. Bake did his thing, and is doing his own thing. It’s just a testimony to Coach and how we handled things, the pride that we took in it, and the way we played.
“There are a lot great memories.”
Riley believes Murray and Mayfield helped each other to be better college players together.
Riley stated that “they’re both tremendous players, and to be in the same place at the same time, they pushed one another to a very high level during those many years.” “They were so good for each others. They were both formidable competitors as well as great players. It’s a great feeling to be able to coach such talented players. — Josh Weinfuss, Arizona Cardinals reporter
Paolo Uggetti contributed to the story.