This season, it is perhaps Vavae Malepeai who will be getting the greatest offensive workload of all running backs for the USC Trojans. Graham Harrell’s scheme often uses three and four receiver sets, leaving one running back on the field with perhaps a tight end.
In Harrell’s scheme, running backs are called to pass-protect far more often than they are called to pass-catch. In last Thursday’s practice, pass-protection by running backs was an emphasis. All but Malepeai did not fare well against the strong and stable Trojan linebackers, with even the promising Markese Stepp being beaten in pass-protection.