USC HC Lincoln Riley has thrilling update on Korey Foreman's progress

USC Football Rush End Korey Foreman has had a bit of a disappointing year this season. He hasn't produced much; totaling just eight tackles. Of course, the expectations on him were high, as he came in as the No. 2 overall recruit in the entire 2021 recruiting class (all recruiting rankings and ratings in article are as of 247Sports).

Therefore, when he's not putting up numbers, and even didn't play in one of the games despite being healthy for it, some fans are anxious for when Foreman will break out. And he will break out, right? He's the No. 12 recruit in the history of 247Sports. He has to, correct? Well, it remains to be seen, but Head Coach Lincoln Riley doesn't doubt it.

Ryan Kartje of the LA Times was told by Riley that Foreman is "really close to making an impact" for the Trojans. This is perfect news. Look--Foreman hasn't played poorly all season.

He actually played pretty well in Week 1, with a sack that he wasn't credited for in the official scoring, and he also had four pressures. One of those pressures resulted in a pick six for the Trojans, and he also had a QB hit and two hurries.

He also was the highest-graded player on USC's defense in Week 2. And for Riley now to be saying that he's "really close to making an impact," it goes to show that he very well might be knocking on the door for some big production coming up.

If Lincoln Riley is right about Korey Foreman, the difference in USC Football's defense is going to be noticeable.

In Year 1 of the Lincoln Riley era, USC Football's defense has most certainly become much better, even without big production from Korey Foreman. They've gone from being tied for 103rd in college football in points per game allowed (31.8) to 41st (22.14). If Foreman can be a force as a pass-rusher, the gap between last year and this year is only going to be bigger.

Not to mention, SC also is tied for ninth nationally with 16 turnovers forced, and tied for eighth in America with 3.43 sacks per contest. They're doing this without Foreman's breakout happening. A dominant pass rusher fixes a lot.

Not only does it of course create a great pass rush, but it also aids a team's pass coverage, by serving as yet another barrier for the quarterback to generate offense through the pass. Not to mention, it establishes physicality during the game, while also helping control the line of scrimmage and setting the tone with toughness.

Foreman, the No. 1 D-Lineman and No. 1 California recruit in the whole 2021 class, is a freak athlete with 6-5, 245 pound size. If he starts chipping in for the Trojans in a significant manner, these Trojans' ceiling is going to be raised coming out of the bye week.