USC football: Javorius Allen carrying load for tailbacks

Nearly every scholarship tailback at USC has either been slowed by injury during training camp or is being protected as they return from injury.

Then there is Javorius “Buck” Allen.

The third-year sophomore from Tallahassee, Fla., had only six carries for 32 yards last season. But he has been the Trojans’ most productive tailback, carrying the load in practices and in last week’s scrimmage.

By remaining physically sound, Allen has taken advantage of reps that might otherwise have gone to senior Silas Redd, fourth-year junior D.J. Morgan, third-year sophomore Tre Madden and freshmen Justin Davis and Ty Isaac.

Coach Lane Kiffin also suggested that Allen could be benefiting from a change in position coaches. Tommie Robinson replaced Kennedy Polamalu as running backs coach after Kiffin fired Polamalu in February.

“Sometimes when change happens, whether it’s an entire staff, head coach or a position coach, guys get new chances,” Kiffin said. “They get clean slates.

“I think Buck has really taken advantage of that on and off the field.”

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