LOS ANGELES — The stop-and-go process of getting cleared to play in a game was starting to get to USC defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart.
Read more Clippers’ Darius Garland doing his part to create ‘immaculate’ vibe
It had even gotten as far as him suiting up for the Louisiana game and going through warm-ups, only to be relegated to the sidelines when the coaching staff decided he wasn’t recovered enough from a foot injury to play in the game.
View this post on Instagram
“It messed with my mind a little bit, knowing that I couldn’t be there,” Stewart told reporters. “I feel as though it’s a challenge, not knowing that you can go make a game-changing play for your team, but you can also uplift your brothers.
“It was building my mentality and just building who I am as a person.”
Stewart spoke with reporters for the first time since early August on Wednesday evening. He had just come off of his first game of the season – a 41-27 loss to Oregon – after missing the Trojans’ first four games.
The 6-foot-5, 295-pound sophomore is listed as “questionable” on the official Big Ten Conference availability report that was released on Wednesday afternoon, but his status for Saturday’s game against Washington could change as the week goes on.
Stewart had two tackles in Saturday’s game and he feels that he’s almost back to 100% healthy. Just getting back on the field was motivating.
“I’ve been playing football since I was three years old,” Stewart said, “so I don’t like the game being taken away from me. It was great, man, just being out there with my brothers and playing the game we love.”
Other USC defensive players who are questionable for Washington include safety Alex Graham, linebacker Taylor “Taybo” Johnson and defensive tackle Alex VanSumeran.
Graham, who has played at nickel back this season, missed the Oregon game due to an undisclosed injury, and VanSumeren left the same game early due to an apparent lower-body injury. He returned to the sidelines wearing street clothes.
USC’s defense has struggled this season, allowing an average of 354.8 yards per game – including Oregon’s 446. Each USC opponent, with the exception of Fresno State, has scored at least 26 points.
Read more Chargers’ emerging ground game faces tough test vs. Seahawks
The Trojans (4-1 overall, 1-1 Big Ten) slipped from No. 12 to No. 18 in the AP Top 25 poll after the loss to the Ducks (3-1, 1-0).
“We’ve got to play as one,” Stewart said. “I feel as though we’re slowly getting there. In the game of football, you’re slowly elevated. You don’t come out the gate together. It just takes a few ups and downs, and I feel like that’s what we’re getting.
“Coach (Skyler) Jones, Coach (Shaun) Nua are always preaching, just playing as one, and when we don’t, bad stuff will happen. There’s a lot of pressure, but we’ll handle the pressure for sure.”
Players showing support for Stephens
Trojans safety Prophet Brown told reporters that the team is offering support to middle linebacker Desman Stephens II, who was suspended for one game after delivering a hit that hospitalized Oregon quarterback Dante Moore and celebrating after.
“Des is around, and with us,” Brown said. “We’re supporting him, praying for him in this situation. It’s really tough as a student-athlete, and he’s been going through a lot, but I just support him. We’re all here from him, and we love him.”
Head coach Lincoln Riley said on Tuesday that he believes Stephens wasn’t fully aware of the seriousness of the situation as he celebrated.
Moore was diagnosed with a concussion with no additional injuries and posted a message in an Instagram post on Monday.
“To my team, the community, and to the world, thank you,” he wrote. “These past 2 days have been very difficult, but through all your prayers, I have made progress…I can only worry about today, and making sure I give today its full attention. I’ll be back soon. Go Ducks.”
Former USC and current Houston Texans safety Kamari Ramsey showed support by commenting “Love fam” on the post.
Read more Alexander: This is the Lakers’ Great Chemistry Experiment