In the 2010 NFL Playoffs, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, nicknamed “Beast Mode,” had a touchdown run in which he broke nine tackles and created a crowd reaction so loud it registered on a nearby seismograph. If fans were in the building for Michael Trigg’s tackle-breaking extravaganza on Tuesday, their cheering may have registered on a Southern California seismograph as the freshman tight end created his own version of the “Beast Quake.”
Freshman quarterback Jaxson Dart threw a somewhat errant pass to Trigg near the sideline, and Trigg reached up for a ridiculous one-handed snag that would have been a highlight on its own. Trigg began his run, immediately pulling off a side juke that would make even the best running backs jealous before breaking multiple tackles and carrying nearly half the defense on him before finally falling to the ground.
Beastmode. @mtrigg_23#FightOn ✌️ pic.twitter.com/jO7w9w0zdq
— USC Football (@USC_FB) August 18, 2021
Trigg has the potential to be a monster force in the world of college football with his 6-foot-4, 245-pound frame. He was also a star basketball player in high school, averaging 22.6 points per game as a junior and receiving college offers for both hoops and the gridiron.
“I always feel like basketball keeps you well-rounded for football,” Trigg said. “Definitely at my position since I’m a bigger tight end, playing basketball makes you more versatile and keeps you more athletic.”
Speaking of versatility, Trigg had another highlight play on the day. He ran a fade route to the corner of the end zone, and freshman cornerback Prophet Brown was draped all over him. However, Trigg was simply too big, strong and athletic as he put his hands right in front of Brown’s, using his size to pull in the high two-handed catch for another touchdown while looking like a young Rob Gronkowski during the team’s scrimmage.
While Trigg admits that he is still learning the playbook, his curiosity and willingness to learn should bring him up to speed in no time. He elaborated on how he enjoys learning from the other tight ends and has no problem showing his curiosity to teammates and coaches as they’re happy to answer questions.
Trigg seems to have a great sense of humor off the field, as his teammates were joking with him about the media attention he got during his press conference. He said he enjoys having a goofy personality, but when it comes to the football field, Trigg is all business.
Trigg’s hunger for knowledge and improvement will serve him well as he is poised to become a breakout player for the Trojans and possibly the NFL after the impression he left on NFL scouts throughout training camp.
With his size, athleticism and versatility, Trigg showed flashes of a potential superstar. The scariest part is that he’s just getting started and knows there’s more work to do.
“You know it’s always good to have some good days like this,” Trigg said, “but I just got to keep working.”