USC has made headlines throughout the offseason for big-name acquisitions, but none has come with more controversy than former Pittsburgh wide receiver Jordan Addison. Now, as reigning Biletnikoff prepares for his junior season as a member of the Trojans, he appears to be planning to use the firestorm of the past few months as fuel.
“I definitely feel like I’ve been through a little bit of mud with the media,” Addison told local reporters in his first press conference since the transfer. “But I want to be a citizen, and I’m always going to come out on top. So I feel like it’s going to be a big story in the end.”
Addison’s decision to transfer prompted Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi to allegedly make an angry phone call to USC coach Lincoln Riley over allegations of cheating, according to ESPN. After that, reports spread that Addison was unhappy with his name, image and appearance after arriving at USC.
But the 6-foot-6 speedster and potential 2023 first-round NFL Draft pick said there was “just a feeling I had” about USC that guided him through the controversies at a time when his name was high on the list. sports news cycle.
“It’s unfortunate, but I don’t care, because the truth always comes out,” Addison said. “I know what my mind and intentions are. So all this noise is just outside.”
Addison became one of the football stars in 2021 as he amassed 100 catches for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns as he helped lead Pittsburgh to an incredible ACC championship. He decided to transfer the opportunity closer to May 1st so that players can enter the channel and get instant eligibility.
“They say it’s a business, so sometimes you have to make your own decisions,” Addison said.
His choice of USC came after the Trojans also acquired other offensive stars such as Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams and Oregon running back Travis Dye, who will join him in 2022 as the Trojans look for a quick turnaround in Riley’s start after 4-8 in 2021.
However, even though his former coach stated that he was not happy with how Addison’s journey went down, the star receiver indicated that he has stopped the war of words regarding Narduzzi.
“I haven‘t done anything. I know where my focus is and what I’m trying to do for my life, at least in my family,” Addison said. “So I don’t think I really need to go back and talk to them, whatever they say they can say, I appreciate how they gave me the opportunity to even play at this big institution, but it’s all good now. though.”
As for what’s next, Addison said he likes the creativity of USC’s offense and credits the team’s receiving room for helping him transition to a new program.
“They brought me in and brought me under their wing,” Addison said. “We’re going to fight each other. We’ve been out there, on that field, running, doing what we have to do to prepare for the season. I feel like I can hang with them guys.”
