Ronald Jones II’s strong play, Tre Madden’s injury could shuffle USC tailback rotation
USC’s Ronald Jones II, left, reacts to his 74-yard touchdown run with Cody Kessler during the fourth quarter at Los Angeles Coliseum on Saturday.
A breakout performance by freshman Ronald Jones II and Tre Madden’s lingering knee issue could change the dynamic of USC’s backfield on Friday night at Colorado.
Jones rushed for 177 yards and scored two touchdowns and junior Justin Davis rushed for two touchdowns in last week’s victory over Arizona.
Madden and quarterback Cody Kessler fumbled a handoff exchange that resulted in a turnover. Madden, who had scored a touchdown and converted a key third down in the previous week’s victory at California, did not have a carry against Arizona.
Interim Coach Clay Helton has been managing Madden’s practice workload so that he would be fresh for games.
Helton said Tuesday that he would sit down with Madden on Wednesday “and see exactly where he’s at health-wise and kind of lean on him to see, ‘Hey, what type of role are we going [to have] going into this game?’”
Madden, even if limited, is a proven performer in third-down, goal-line and pass-protection situations, Helton said.
Jones has rushed for a team-best 710 yards and six touchdowns. He is averaging eight yards per carry.
“I’ve just got to keep doing what I’ve been doing,” Jones said this week. “Just make the most of my opportunities and do anything I can to help the team win.”
Davis has rushed for 420 yards and five touchdowns, Madden 418 and five.
Madden’s grandfather, former Los Angeles Rams running back Lawrence McCutcheon, was among the NFL scouts at Tuesday’s practice. McCutcheon is a national scout for the St. Louis Rams.
Center of attention
Center Khaliel Rodgers has a shoulder injury that is making the Trojans nervous. USC already has lost starter Max Tuerk and backup Toa Lobendahn because of season-ending knee injuries.
Rodgers replaced Lobendahn against Utah on Oct. 24 and has started the last two games.
“I say a prayer every night that we stay healthy at center,” Helton said.
Junior Nico Falah and sophomore Viane Talamaivao also are working at center.
Quick hits
Linebacker Cameron Smith, who suffered a shoulder injury against Arizona, is “good to go” for the Colorado game, Helton said. Smith, who has a team-best 72 tackles, had an MRI exam Monday. . . . Cornerback Jonathan Lockett (groin) returned to practice. Safety Leon McQuay (knee) is on track to play after being held out of last week’s game. . . . Defensive lineman Claude Pelon suffered an undisclosed injury during practice.
Twitter: @latimesklein
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