USC Trojans Football: Robert Woods Slow Return Is a Blessing in Disguise

Although the USC Trojans are on spring break after putting about a third of their spring practices in the books, we still have yet to see standout rising junior receiver Robert Woods on the field for Lane Kiffin's team. The Biletnikoff Award finalist is still slowly trying to get healthy following offseason surgery on an ankle injury that was a problem for him throughout the 2011 campaign. Yes, the same 2011 campaign that saw Woods put up ungodly, spread-like numbers out of the Trojans pro-styled offense.

For USC, a team that seems poised to make a 2012 BCS Title run, not having Woods is likely more of a positive than a negative this spring. While we definitely want to see college football's premier returning wide receiver healthy, the fact is there is no need for the kid to rush back. Take his time, heel the ankle; thanks to his position, his experience in the offense and understanding of the game the spring is a time that Robert Woods can definitely "make up" in the offseason.

Unlike guys such as Knile Davis at Arkansas or Ricky Barnum at Michigan, who are both recovering from injuries, Woods is not in a position to need to test himself against heavy and repeated contact. Woods is a wide receiver,  and the test for him comes in the form of cutting, running full speed and stopping on a dime. Those are elements of the game that he can work on during spring or, if the ankle doesn't feel up to it, after spring and on through the summer.

Throw in that not only do he and Matt Barkley have a great quarterback-receiver relationship, but the fact those two can work together through the summer on timing and getting on the same page and for Woods' sake coming back too quickly shouldn't even be considered.

While Woods being able to prep in spring through the summer is a plus, the true positive for the Trojans comes in the form of growing their depth at the wide receiver position. De'Von Flournoy, Victor Blackwell and George Farmer are getting more reps with the ones, and that means more time with Matt Barkley and more time with coaches correcting their mistakes to put them in a position to succeed. Of the trio, Farmer is the only one with receptions on the books for USC, although Flournoy did see some time on special teams last year and as a reserve wide receiver in 2009 and 2011.

More reps in the spring, more chance to step up and run with the ones helps in two ways: The players are more confident in their ability to get the job done, and the coaches are confident that they can insert a player into the game to do the job. That confidence means more three or four receiver threats. More of Marqise Lee and Robert Woods drawing the defenses attention while someone else slips unnoticed for a big gain. More confidence in his other options means less forcing the ball to Lee and Woods from Barkley.

Marqise Lee has already proven he's capable at the position opposite Woods. With these three guys all fighting to be the third receiver for the Trojans in the absence of Woods, who'll be healthy when it counts, it is not that bad for USC.