CBS News: š„ Epochal USC Trojans Legend Troy Polamalu Visits Practice, 5-Star Recruit Duvay Williams to Follow in His Footsteps
Los Angeles, CA ā April 25, 2025
In a moment that blended past glory with future promise, legendary USC Trojans safety Troy Polamalu made a surprise visit to practice on Thursday, electrifying the team and coaching staff with his presence. The Hall of Famer and two-time Super Bowl champion, widely considered one of the greatest safeties in football history, spent time speaking with players, sharing wisdom, and inspiring the next generation of Trojan stars.
But the dayās biggest revelation? 5-star recruit Duvay Williams, one of the nationās most coveted defensive backs, was also in attendance ā and sources close to the program confirm he is leaning heavily toward committing to USC, citing Polamaluās legacy as a major influence.
Polamalu, a cornerstone of USC’s early-2000s dominance, watched drills and huddled with head coach Lincoln Riley and defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn. “Itās humbling to be back,” Polamalu told reporters. “This program shaped who I am, and itās exciting to see where it’s headed.”
Williams, a 6ā2ā standout from DeSoto, Texas, currently ranks No. 3 overall in the 2025 ESPN 300. His visit wasnāt just symbolic ā he trained alongside current players and even had a private conversation with Polamalu after practice. āHe told me to be more than just a player ā to be a leader, a Trojan,ā Williams said.
While Williams has also taken visits to Alabama, Oregon, and Ohio State, insiders say the presence of Polamalu and the culture shift under Coach Riley are turning USC into the clear front-runner.
If Williams does commit, he would become the Trojansā highest-rated defensive back recruit since Adoreeā Jackson in 2014 ā and potentially the next great name in a lineage that includes Ronnie Lott, Mark Carrier, and of course, Polamalu himself.
USC fans are buzzing with anticipation, and so is the college football world. The past met the future this week in Los Angeles ā and the future looks cardinal and gold.
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