USC Trojans’ Makai Lemon becomes No. 1 receiver after returning from injury

There is no ceiling for the type of player USC Trojans receiver Makai lemon can become because he keeps raising the bar. The sophomore receiver put together the best performance of his career in Friday’s win Rutgers Scarlet Knights when he hauled in four receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown. It was the third straight week that Lemon recorded career highs in receptions or receiving yards. He also added an 80-yard kickoff return in the first quarter, leading to the Trojan horses second scoring drive.

“He’s made some very competitive catches, some big plays after the catch,” the USC coach said Lincoln Riley. “He plays fast, plays confident, and you know, he was just, it was, you know, his night with the ball found him, and he made some really good, aggressive plays. So he just keeps improving as a player.”

In a deep and talented Trojans receiver room, there’s a strong case to be made for it. Lemon has become the No. 1 receiver for USC. His production during the month is something his teammates saw in August.

“I think I saw that in camp, honestly,” USC receiver Kyle Ford said. “I think that’s the main point where I saw him like that. And I always knew he was a dog. I mean, last year he was standing in the corner against me, and I just kind of knew the person he was. So him to do these things, and the way he plays, and the attitude he plays, and I love it.”

On Friday night, Lemon made his case for the game’s MVP. In addition to his 80-yard kickoff return, Lemon started a scoring drive in the third quarter with a 70-yard reception, including 60 yards after the catch.

“Just like in camp, like he got a ball every day. I honestly think he was the MVP of the camp, like in my eyes, and I thought I played great too, but I thought he was the MVP of the camp. He played great ball. So it’s cool to see that translate,” Ford said.

Since returning from a terrifying injury suffered against Michigan, where he left the stadium in an ambulance, Lemon has become quarterback Miller Moss’ favorite target. Lemon has been leading the team in receptions and receiving yards since October 5.

“I think you’ve seen him grow into the game so slowly since he came back just because he was out. The fact that he’s healthy, you know, really helps us offensively,” Moss said. “I don’t. I think everyone is surprised by that. You know, he’s a great player, and we all know that, we know that and saw that practice, so you know, great to see him show that in the game atmosphere.

Riley has talked about the need for the Trojans to separate themselves from teams in the second half and having a player like Lemon can certainly help with that. His 40-yard touchdown to end the third quarter made it a three-score game USC never looked back.