Quinton Powell’s effort on special teams pays off for Trojans

Tailback Javorius Allen scored three touchdowns. Defensive lineman Leonard Williams forced a fumble and stopped a two-point conversion attempt.

But lesser-known USC players also made key plays for the Trojans in their 28-26 victory over Arizona.

Quinton Powell was one of them.

Last week, Coach Steve Sarkisian said the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Powell would work to gain 15 to 20 pounds during the off season to be effective at linebacker.

That did not deter Powell from attempting to make an impact.

“You’ve got to realize, once you’re in college, you have different roles,” Powell, a sophomore from Florida, said after the Arizona game. “My role is to be on special teams and make plays. I’ll do whatever I can to help the team.”

Early in the first quarter, Arizona’s DaVonte’ Neal fielded a punt and started up the right sideline in front of Arizona’s bench. He then cut back and appeared to have open field to the end zone.

But Powell chased down Neal, holding him to a 43-yard return and possibly preventing a touchdown. Arizona eventually kicked a 32-yard field goal.

Powell said there was no doubt he would catch Neal.

“I figured if I picked it up a notch, I’d get him,” Powell said. ”And that’s what happened.”