USC built their offense around Makai Lemon for obvious reasons

Through the first five games of the season, the #21 USC Trojans have a pitch and catch combination that goes together like lemon and lime. We’re talking, obviously, about wide receiver Makai Lemon and quarterback Jayden Maiava. Heading into a Big Noon Kickoff (which a lot of people seem to call “Big Nude Kickoff” for some odd reason) game at #24 Illinois, Maiva was the nation’s highest rated passer.

Lemon, his favorite target, came into the game with 24 catches for 438 yards, 3 touchdowns and an 18.3 yards per reception average. However, he does so much more than what shows up on the stat sheet. It’s a total cliche, but it is utterly true.

There was a critical set of series in the 3rd quarter that conveyed just how much Lemon means to the Trojans; beyond the box score.

Illini linebacker Dylan Rosiek intercepted Maiava (his first INT of the year) on a play targeting Lemon. Maiava then overthrew Lemon on back-to-back plays, as the Illini pass rush started to really ramp up and pressure him.

On the next Lemon target however, he made an incredible catch through triple coverage. Converting that play required intense concentration, and Lemon consistently has that; in spades. Illinois pulled off a substantial upset, 34-32 on a last second field goal, which was a thrilling result for the Homecoming crowd. But for USC, the offense did their part.

“He’s a good player, the great thing about USC is they have a lot of talent,” Illini head coach Bret Bielema said in postgame.

Lemon finished with 11 catches for 151 yards, 2 touchdowns and a 2-pt conversion pass. And he did it on 15 targets, with the next closest receiver for USC (Lake McRee) having five targets. And it’s the targets statistic that tells the story on Lemon.

He’s got that “it factor” as the “go-to guy.” He’s 5’11”, 195 pounds, but he plays so much bigger. NFL scouts will do no doubt question his size, his weight, and maybe even his speed.

Perhaps Lemon’s measurables may not be optimal, but USC has built their offense around Lemon, and that is something that NFL scouts will certainly take notice of.

This isn’t just a “buy” rating, this is a “strong buy” recommendation.