USC made headlines throughout the offseason for acquiring big-name transfers, but none had more controversy than former Pittsburgh wide receiver Jordan Addison. Now, as the reigning Biletnikoff winner prepares for his junior season with the Trojans, he appears to be using the storm of the past few months as fuel.
“I definitely feel like I got drug through the mud a little bit with the media,” Addison said he told local reporters in his first meeting with the media after the transfer. “But I like being the underdog and I’m always going to come out on top. So I feel like it’s going to be a great story in the end.”
Addison’s decision to transfer prompted Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi to angrily call USC coach Lincoln Riley about an alleged violation. according to ESPN. Reports then surfaced that Addison was unhappy with his name, image and likeness after arriving at USC.
But the 6-foot-12 rusher and potential 2023 first-round NFL Draft pick said he “just had a feeling” about USC that led him through a chaotic offseason in which his name dominated the sports news cycle.
“It was disappointing, but I wasn’t too concerned because the truth always comes out,” Addison said. “I know what my focus is and what my intention is. So it’s all just external noise.”
Addison became one of the sport’s breakout players in 2021, amassing 100 catches for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns as he helped lead Pittsburgh to a surprise ACC championship. He decided to make transfers right on the May 1 deadline to get players through the gate and immediately eligible.
“They say it’s a business, so sometimes you have to make decisions for yourself,” Addison said.
His choice of USC came after the Trojans also attracted other offensive stars, including Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams and Oregon running back Travis Dye, with whom he will partner in 2022 as the Trojans seek a quick turnaround in Riley’s first season after a 4-8 failure in 2021.
But even as his old coach made it clear he was unhappy with how Addison’s departure went down, the star wide receiver indicated he was left out of the war of words involving Narduzzi.
“I didn’t do any of that. I knew where my focus was and what I was trying to do with my life, at least in my family,” Addison said. “So I didn’t think I really needed to go back and talk to them. Whatever they had to say, they can say. I appreciate them giving me the opportunity to even play at this prestigious institution, but it’s all good now though .”
As for what’s ahead, Addison said he likes the creativity of USC’s offense and credited the team’s loaded receiver room with helping his transition to a new program.
“They took me in and took me under their wing,” Addison said. “We go to war with each other. We’ve been out there, on this field, sprinting, doing everything we need to do to prepare for the season. I feel like I can hang with them guys.”
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