One of USC’s captains and most important players will miss time on the football field after a courageous act off it.
Senior cornerback Josh Shaw sprained both of his ankles while rescuing his 7-year-old nephew from potentially drowning over the weekend, according to an account posted on USC’s official website.
Per the report, Shaw was attending a family function at his cousin’s apartment in his hometown of Palmdale on Saturday night. While standing on a second-floor balcony, Shaw saw his nephew, Carter, “in distress without help nearby,” according to the report.
Shaw then jumped off the balcony, landing on the concrete. He crawled into the pool and pulled his nephew to safety. Shaw, who has six interceptions in two seasons with USC, is out “indefinitely,” according to the school.
“I would do it again for whatever kid it was, it did not have to be my nephew,” Shaw said. “My ankles really hurt, but I am lucky to be surrounded by the best trainers and doctors in the world. I am taking my rehab one day at a time, and I hope to be back on the field as soon as possible.”
USC opens its season Saturday against Fresno State. Shaw is the Trojans’ most experienced and accomplished defensive back.
Junior Kevon Seymour and redshirt freshman Chris Hawkins likely will start at cornerback, with freshman Adoree’ Jackson backing them up. USC also will use a three-safety alignment against pass-heavy teams.
“That was a heroic act by Josh, putting his personal safety aside. But that’s the kind of person he is,” USC coach Steve Sarkisian said. “It is unfortunate that he’ll be sidelined for a while, and we will miss his leadership and play, but I know he’ll be working hard to get back on the field as soon as possible.”
