Potential leading to greatness is the goal from USC football HC Lincoln Riley

The expression 'Games aren't won on paper' applies to what USC football coach Lincoln Riley recently said while discussing Braylan Shelby. It can be easy to look at who should start or how a depth chart should look behind the star. Evaluating the impact someone actually has on winning and blindly accepting their high school rankings are usually two entirely different things.

Particularly in team sports, there are a lot of dynamic moving pieces at play. Between how certain athletes act in certain situations and how they handle what's asked of them while on the field, a lot isn't determined until after something plays out. Even when someone shows positive glimpses, particularly at positions that have a lot of depth, the onus is on them to consistently show that the coaching staff can place their trust in them.

After the latest practice, coach Riley was asked about what the best version of Shelby would look like. Entering his junior season, the staff is familiar with his game, how he prepares, and what his trajectory has looked like since coming on campus. He is coming off an 11-game year while putting up three sacks and will be looking to not only produce more but also show that he can be someone who can enter conversations that include some of the best defensive ends in the country.

Next step for USC football player

Coach Riley wasn't quite willing to go that far while speaking with the media. He did, however, express what the next steps are for the DE. The Trojans HC explained when asked about what he's looking for from Shelby:

"Unlocking his physical potential. He has a ton of potential, but a lot of guys do and aren't ready to be great players. There's a big difference between the two."

The upperclassman is athletic and has a high motor. Finding a way to put it all together and showcasing his production on a weekly basis is the next challenge for him. This staff knows and has seen glimpses of what Shelby can do.

Many enter the college ranks talented but unable to then adjust to the next level, let alone impact the game in a way that saw them recruited to the extent they were in the first place. That is to be expected. Except for a few exceptions, most are going to have some adjustment period to work through.

For Shelby, USC football believes that he can use his physical skill set and everything he's learned as a Trojan and prove himself to be an elite edge rusher in the country. He's doing the right things, and coach Riley expressed optimism over his ability to stay on this current path. Expect to see a lot of highlights from his play on Saturdays this fall.