USC's Ronald Johnson excels in his limited kickoff-return duties
USC FYI
Thanks to his teammates' stingy defense, the receiver's 10 returns, which include runs of 75 and 45 yards against Stanford, aren't enough to qualify for NCAA recognition.
Blame it on USC's defense.
That's what Trojans receiver Ronald Johnson can do for not being among the NCAA leaders in kickoff-return yardage.
Johnson, who had 75- and 45-yard returns in the Trojans' victory over Stanford, is averaging 31.3 yards per return, which would make him tied for second nationally if he qualified.
But the Trojans have had only 17 kickoff-return opportunities, thanks mainly to a defense that has given up only 10 touchdowns and five field goals in 10 games.
Johnson's 10 returns, therefore, falls below the NCAA minimum of 1.2 per game for individual players.
Because there is no minimum for team statistical leaders, USC leads the nation with a 30.1-yard average.
C.J. Gable has returned six kickoffs for 178 yards, including a 93-yard touchdown against Stanford.
Freshman safety Drew McAllister returned one kick for 21 yards.
Klein is a Times staff writer.
gary.klein@latimes.com
