Lincoln Riley’s new recruiting identity will pay off huge if Kayden Dixon-Wyatt is ready in Year 1

Lincoln Riley is on the hot seat during his fifth season as head coach for USC football. He's failed to take the program to the College Football Playoff or have consistent success against Big Ten teams. There are reasons for optimism, however, as Riley has recently been prioritizing Southern California talent in his recruiting, as he did with Mater Dei's Kayden Dixon-Wyatt.

The 6-foot-2 receiver was rated a four-star in this year's No. 1 recruiting class. He came into USC at a time of transition in the wide receiver room, and there is still a spot up for grabs. According to rumors, he just might be one of quarterback Jayden Maiava's favorite targets.

What's Kayden Dixon-Wyatt's outlook on a starting spot in Lincoln Riley's lineup?

Last year's key receivers were Bilentkoff winner Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane. They both were drafted this spring, meaning two big spots are open for anyone to take. Most likely, Tanook Hines will be the WR1 after being WR3 behind Lemon and Lane last year. Hines still found a way to make a name for himself by recording 34 receptions, 561 yards and two touchdowns. He showed his promise during the Oregon game last year, where he was one of the only bright spots of the game.

The WR2 spot that looks to be locked right now is going to NC State transfer Terell Williams. He had 39 receptions for 629 yards and 5 TDs last season. The 6-foot-2 receiver likes to go deep, which is one of Maiava's strengths, and he's known for breaking through defenders to gain more yards-after-catch.

This leaves an open spot for WR3, and many are predicting that it will be redshirt sophomore Zacharyus Williams. The former Utah transfer was injured for the majority of last season and never earned his spot. Still, he's been on the team longer, so he knows the offense better than his competition. However, if Kayden Dixon-Wyatt is one of Maiava's favorite targets, then that can mean a lot more.

The Hayward, California native could fit better into the WR3 spot than Williams. Last season at Mater Dei, he had 42 receptions, 693 yards and eight touchdowns. He will be a slot receiver for the Trojans, relying on his quickness and adaptability.

Dixon-Wyatt is known for his route running and creating separation from defenders. Also, he's great at controlling his body and at blocking. The 195-pounder will catch anything, even when it's contested. He's not afraid to get his hands dirty or do what's best for his team, making him a great option for WR3.

A potential weakness to look out for is that while he excels at explosiveness and route running, he isn't naturally the fastest player. So, his ability to create holes for himself might be limited when he takes on college-level talent.

Dixon-Wyatt could be a real contender for the starting job on the Trojans. Regardless, though, he's one of the players of the future at USC and will be getting some touches in the rotation this year,

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