Freshman tailback Ronald Jones II progressing in all phases

USC interim coach Clay Helton said this week that he regretted not giving the ball more to freshman tailback Ronald Jones II against Notre Dame.

Jones, the Trojans’ leading rusher, broke off a 65-yard run in the second half.

Jones did not sound as if he felt shortchanged.

“I’m actually playing more than I thought I would,” he said. “So I’m really happy with where I’m at.”

Jones has rushed for 380 yards and is averaging nearly nine yards per carry.

With senior Tre Madden nursing a knee injury, Jones has shouldered much of the workload this week during practice as the Trojans prepare for Saturday’s game against third-ranked Utah.

Helton has said Jones was working to improve his pass-catching and pass-protection skills.

Asked how much experience he had as a pass protector at McKinney North (Texas) High, the 6-foot, 185-pound Jones said, “none.”

“It definitely has been a big adjustment,” he added.

Jones anticipated that blocking at the college level would require adjustments.

“I knew it was going to be a challenge because, obviously, the players are a lot bigger too,” he said. “So when I was blocking linebackers, they were my size. Now they’re 260.”