Wiley shines in USC spring game
Senior corner now 'comfortable,' playing faster than he did last fall
Updated: April 14, 2012, 11:25 PM ET
By
Erik McKinney | WeAreSC.com
LOS ANGELES -- After the way the USC Trojans offense closed the 2011 season, scoring at least 30 points in the final eight games and at least 40 in four of the final five, expectations were high for Matt Barkley and that side of the ball this spring. But after 15 spring practices, capped by Saturday's spring game, it's fair to say the USC defense will have a few things to say about the success of the team this fall.
Aided by a prevailing wind, the secondary turned in another outstanding performance on Saturday, as all eight members of the two-deep made their presence felt. Cornerback Brian Baucham and safety Drew McAllister registered interceptions -- Baucham against Matt Barkley and McAllister against Cody Kessler -- but the day's top performance was turned in by rising senior cornerback Isiah Wiley.
Playing on the opposite side of Nickell Robey, arguably the top cornerback in the Pac-12 last season, Wiley has been tested regularly this spring, and that was again the case Saturday. Whether he was matched up against Marqise Lee, De'Von Flournoy or Victor Blackwell, the ball flew his way with regularity, and he was up to the task. He knocked away several deep passes, including one early in the day that looked to be a sure touchdown from Barkley to Blackwell.
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