With new redshirt rules allowing players to play up to four games while still keeping their redshirt eligibility, Week 5 was a big week on the eligibility front.
USC football played eight freshmen against Arizona, burning seven redshirts officially. Those seven included few surprises. Quarterback JT Daniels, cornerback Olaijah Griffin, safety Talanoa Hufanga, outside linebacker Kana’i Mauga, inside linebacker Raymond Scott and receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Devon Williams were in that number.
The eighth participant? Linebacker Palaie Gaoteote, who notched his third game of action. Since he missed the first two weeks with injury, it looks like he is well on his way to joining the ranks of true freshmen whose eligibility will not be spared this season.