USC had a tradition of football players also being key contributors in track and field, such as Earl McCullough or even O.J. Simpson.
But these days, coaches frown upon two-sport stars.
That’s why it was disappointing to hear USC running backs coach Mike Jinks say today “it’s not easy” for tailback Kenan Christon to catch up in the running backs competition this fall because Christon is focused on track this spring.
The fact Christon has stood his ground and focused on track is impressive given how coaches discourage it. Troy Polamalu was supposed to play baseball but the footballl coaches talked him out of it. Adoree Jackson talked about focusing on track in the spring but juggled both. Usually, football players would only join track as an afterthought in May.
People forget Sultan McCullough ran an impressive 10.17-second 100-meter dash as a freshman and but then bulked up for football and never matched that time again. He would have been better served to focus on track in the spring.
Christon has a unique skill set among the tailbacks but hasn’t really gotten many chances so far. Why he didn’t play more last season was an open question.
But I doubt missing 15 spring practices will set him back. Especially if running track makes him even faster.
Don't Trust Coaches On Playing Two Sports
I doubt Kenan is running track to get faster. He sees the writing on the wall: If, in all this time, the coaching staff hasn't figured out a way of utilizing the speed he already possesses, they never will......
#...WhichIsKindOAmazingAllByItselfIfYouThinkAboutIt...
Why would any running back want to play for this clown 🤡and his staff? Hopefully he transfers where his skill set will be utilized and appreciated...