Pac-12 Football: Each team’s most important newcomer for 2020
By Dante Pryor
With Michael Pittman Jr. off to the NFL, USC and their air-raid offense need to add some depth to their receiving corps. Gary Bryant Jr. fills that role. He is the highest-rated player in what was a small recruiting class for the Trojans.
Bryant’s upside might be his best value. He is not big — just 164 pounds — but he has much room to grow physically. Though the Trojans have depth at receiver, he will compete for catches for three reasons. First, he is polished as a route runner. Second, he has fantastic hands and third, he can play the slot or out wide.
Even if he does not contribute a lot receiving, he can instantly contribute as a kick and punt returner.
According to Greg Biggins of 247sports, he’s added 12 pounds of muscle to his frame. He competes at a high level and shows the toughness to make plays over the middle. Bryant is a natural pass catcher who is dynamic with the ball in his hands.
He has to compete with the likes of highly-touted recruit Bru McCoy and freshmen Chase Locke and Kyle Ford. This is a good thing for Clay Helton and the Trojans, however. His receivers are good enough to compete for catches and Bryant will not be denied.