USC football: Freshman Quinton Powell on track to play

Linebacker Quinton Powell came to USC from Mainland High in Daytona Beach, Fla., the same school that produced Trojans defensive lineman Leonard Williams.

Like Williams last season, Powell is off to an impressive start.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Powell was mainly a defensive end in high school, but he has taken to his new position and has made numerous plays on special teams and defense during scrimmages.

“I didn’t know anything when I first got here,” Powell said of playing linebacker. “Now, I’m getting in the groove of everything.”

On Monday, Powell intercepted a tipped pass during practice and took off running for a long return. He appear on track to play in the scheduled Aug. 29 opener at Hawaii.

Powell said he has transitioned smoothly with advice from teammates and coaches.

“It’s simple,” he said. “You do what they tell you to do and you’ll make plays.”

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