LOS ANGELES — At the start of the media’s viewing portion at Tuesday’s USC spring football practice, running back transfers Eli Sanders and Waymond Jordan were seen fielding kick returns.

The two newest faces to the running back room haven’t had much experience returning kicks — Sanders hasn’t returned a kick since 2022 and Jordan never logged a kick or punt return at his former stop — but USC head coach Lincoln Riley believes they’ll be able to make an impact in that facet of the game.

“We definitely could see using (Sanders). I mean, there’s no question he’s one of the best guys that we have in terms of the ball in his hands and having the ability to create explosive plays. He catches the ball very well,” Riley said. “Waymond and a handful of other guys, we’re going to toy around with this spring and see what fits, but certainly not hard to imagine Eli having a big role there.”

Sanders played three years at Iowa State, tallying 703 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 21 games played for the Cyclones.

He transferred to New Mexico in 2024 and exploded for 1,063 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 147 rushing attempts last season. His 7.2 rushing yards per attempt average was fifth-best in the nation.

The redshirt senior, who will be vying for the starting running back spot along with Jordan and returning rushers Bryan Jackson and A’Marion Peterson, is looking forward to helping the team in any way he can, even if that means returning kicks.

“I want to be used anywhere on the field that I can be,” Sanders said. “So just when my number is called at any position on the field, whether it’s special teams or on offense, I’m up to do it.”

Jordan played at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas the last two years and topped the Division I JUCO ranks with 1,614 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns last season.

He was named the National Junior College Athletics Association DI Offensive Player of the Year and helped the Blue Dragons win the 2024 NJCAA DI championship.

Like Sanders, Jordan is prepared to do whatever the coaching staff asks of him to help the team succeed.

“They asked me could I do it? And I told them, ‘Yes,’” Jordan said. “I’m just willing to do anything that will help the team. So if that’s being back there and returning kicks, I’ll do it.”

Former Trojans take in spring practice

Several former Trojans, some of whom currently play in the NFL, visited campus Tuesday to watch practice and meet with players and staff.

Caleb Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Calen Bullock were a few of the former USC football players who attended practice, as did St. Brown’s current Detroit Lions teammate Jahmyr Gibbs.

“It just gives me confidence, you know, seeing those people,” offensive lineman DJ Wingfield said. “I have an opportunity to do it myself.”