Lincoln Riley is no stranger to having NFL caliber receivers on his team. This season two receivers on the USC Trojans could potentially form the best receiver duo in the nation. With the Trojans having a disappointing season last year, having a prolific offense could help them become more competitive in the Big Ten. It starts with their two star receivers.
Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane both get their fair share of hype individually, but together as a duo, experts are predicting them to be the best in the nation. In Sports Illustrated, Lorenzo Reyna predicts the USC Trojans could field the nation’s best wide receiver duo in his bold predictions for the Trojans this season.
“Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane fuel the next lineage of NFL-caliber wideouts at USC. Both are sparking their own league hype. Lemon earned WR1 recognition by Pro Football Focus back on June 25. Calling him a lightning quick talent who thrives on creating separation. Lane, meanwhile, won over ESPN’s Jordan Reid and placed him at the top of the next WR class. He brings intrigue as a 6-foot-4 talent.
“Creating chemistry with Maiava is a must for this fall. Because defenses will have difficulty containing both if Maiava is on his game. But Lemon and Lane together form the nation’s premier wideout duo. Especially with Big Ten rival Ohio State losing Emeka Egbuka to April’s draft.”
Both receivers attack defenses differently with Lemon being a speedy deep play threat and Lane being the big body receiver who is a nightmare on the outside. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has some pressure on him to perform next season, but with two bonafide stars to throw the ball to, USC should be the offensive powerhouse we expect Lincoln Riley offenses to be.
When you think of dominant college receiving rooms, the first thought is always Ohio State. However, this season Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane are making USC a team experts have to consider. It isn’t out the realm of possibility that the Trojans will field two 1,000-yard receivers and two receivers who are first round picks when this season is all said and done.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC Trojans could own the best receiver duo in college football, not just the Big Ten
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
