Marqise Lee could play on defense, says Lane Kiffin

USC wide receiver Marqise Lee is second in the country in receiving yards, but the sophomore may play an even bigger role for the Trojans on Saturday. Head coach Lane Kiffin said Lee practiced on defense this week and could play some defensive snaps on Saturday.

Playing defensive back would be nothing new for Lee. He played both safety and cornerback in high school and was originally recruited to USC as a defensive back. One scouting report said Lee was a more natural defensive back than wide receiver in high school.

Lee leads the Trojans and is second in the country with 1,286 receiving yards. His 88 receptions lead the country and he is third in the nation in touchdowns with 12. He's been nearly unstoppable over the last two games, racking up 502 yards on 28 receptions while also scoring four touchdowns.

Even if he spent some practice time on defense during the week, Lee is not likely to play a major role defensively against Arizona State. Two-way players are rare, even in college football. The question of Lee playing on defense was asked by a writer for the USC website. with some hypothesizing Lee's role on defense is merely a ploy to get his name in the news as the Trojans try to build up his Heisman Trophy candidacy.