Shaw makes special teams tackle in USC return

Published Nov. 23, 2014 2:35 a.m. ET

foxsports

USC took an early seven-point lead Saturday night at the Rose Bowl thanks to an Anthony Sarao 17-yard interception return for a touchdown.

On the ensuing kickoff, Josh Shaw, the recently reinstated defensive back, lined up for the Trojans on the kickoff coverage.

The USC senior, sprinted down the field, spotted the UCLA return man -- Ish Adams -- and made the special teams tackle.

It was his first tackle since the Las Vegas Bowl last December. It was also his only tackle of the game.

Shaw was reinstated earlier in the week after a suspension that cost him the first 10 games of his senior season after injuring both ankles during the summer and fabricating a story about how it happened.

In addition to his work on special teams, Shaw also lined up at cornerback against the Bruins.

For his teammates it was just good to see him back on the field and in good spirits.

"It was just good to see a smile on his face again," senior captain Hayes Pullard said. "That's what we play for. That's just the main thing, to continue to get better and just having him back another week just pushing the other corners and pushing the other (defensive backs) to continue to get better as well."

Overall, it was a tough night for the USC secondary. Hundley shredded the USC defense for 326 yards and three touchdowns. The UCLA quarterback completed passes to 10 different receivers.

Shaw was not available for comment following the game. As part of his reinstatement to the team Shaw must refrain from speaking to the media.

Next week USC will host Notre Dame at 12:30 p.m. in a game that can be seen on FOX. It is expected Shaw will be honored with the rest of his fellow seniors on Senior Day.

With the struggles USC had in the secondary Saturday night, it's possible his role could increase at cornerback or safety.