Connor Spears Steps Away From USC Football Team

Walk-on tight end Connor Spears announced his decision to leave the USC football team Friday on Instagram after one season playing for the Trojans.

Connor Spears, the Columbia transfer, posted a statement on Instagram announcing that he will not return to the USC football team this season, choosing to focus on future pursuits outside of football.

“This past week I made one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in stepping away from the football team here at USC,” Spears said on Instagram. “It’s been an absolute dream come true, but my family and I feel that it’s best if I focus on the next stage of my life at this time.”

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The South Dakota native impressed in spring camp last year after Bryce Dixon was removed from the team and the Trojans were left with just one scholarship tight end — Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick. Though he played in all 14 games for USC this season, his first after sitting out the necessary year for a transfer, he was never targeted for a catch.

His opportunities for next season might have been limited with the returns of senior Taylor McNamara, who held down the starting position all season and sophomore Tyler Petite, as well as redshirt freshman Daniel Imatorbhebhe, who will be eligible to play after sitting out his own transfer season. They combined to amass 27 catches for 228 yards and five touchdowns last season.

In the 2016 class, USC has a commitment from four-star tight end Cary Angeline out of Pennsylvania, who could challenge for immediate playing time as well. They’re also pursing uncommitted two-way player Devin Asiasi of De La Salle.