First year USC football coach Lincoln Riley watches the offense during spring practice at USC on Tuesday. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Lincoln Riley was everywhere.
He ran alongside tight end Ethan Rae as if he was a linebacker covering him.
He ran over to receiver Mario Williams, pointed to the sideline and offered him some words of advice.
He broke up a pass intended for Ty Shamblin and slapped the receiver’s helmet.
In his first practice as USC’s head coach, Riley projected an abundance of youthful coaching energy on Tuesday, running and clapping and injecting vitality back into the Los Angeles’ most popular football team.
This wasn’t a Clay Helton practice.
This was closer to a Sean McVay training session.
Wearing a white visor and sunglasses, Riley was dressed in a gray shirt with rolled-up sleeves and black shorts.
He looked 38 years young.
And when the practice was over, Riley was ready for Round 2.
“I’m not tired, man,” Riley said. “I’ve been waiting 100 days…