Written by Dave Dulberg, USC blog contributor
Freshman middle blocker Robert Feathers has only donned a Trojan uniform for a little over a month, but if the first 11 matches of his career are any indication, USC fans are in for a four-year block party.
Feathers, known as "Bob" by coaches and teammates, has taken little time adjusting to the college game. Going into the Trojans' road matches this weekend against No. 12 Pacific and No. 4 Stanford, the native of Pacific Palisades leads the nation in blocks per set (1.77).
"It's weird to think about, but I can't really focus on it," said Feathers (pictured below by the Palisadian-Post). "In the back of my head, I know I am accomplishing that feat. At the same time, I have to realize we are only midway through the season. It may be helping the team, but I don't want to be selfish. It's all nice and sweet to know that I am contributing, but that stat alone won't help us win matches. Regardless of where I rank, I'm still trying to go out and improve everyday with my blocking, hitting and strength in the weight room. Right now, it's all about winning matches not looking at statistics."
While Feathers may not be solely focused on his early season success, the former standout from nearby Loyola HS admits there is a science behind becoming an elite blocker.
"The best middle blockers are those that are patient, can read the opponent and stay still," said Feathers. "You can't just watch the ball and that's something a lot of people tend to do. The key is staying still and watching how the setter places his hands. If you can focus in on where his hands are, you can make a better read on where the ball will end up. College volleyball is so fast that you can't really afford to rely on guessing."
Currently, Feathers and the Trojans are riding a two-game win streak and are ranked sixth in the country. While things are looking up in Troy, road losses to BYU and UC Irvine back in January have the team hungry heading into the heart of their MPSF schedule.
"It's definitely been a process this season," said Feathers. "It's a good sign that we've been able to take some of these top teams to four and five sets at their place. We're still getting use to the chemistry of this team and that just takes time. As the season progresses, I think we really have an opportunity to be better than a No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country. We truly believe that if we continue to put in our work and listen to the coaches, it'll work out in the end."
Although Feathers (pictured right by the Daily Trojan) is only in his first season with the Trojans, the freshman credits the team's collective sense of equality as the reason he's made such a quick transition to the collegiate game.
"What's great about this team, on and off the court, is that everyone is the same," said Feathers. "Whether you are a freshman or a senior, we all want to win, we all want to contribute and we all want to lead by example. We don't look at our roles as starters or non-starters, everyone knows that at some point in the season they will be called upon to help this team. I love that approach."
As the stakes continue to get higher for Bill Ferguson's squad, Feathers believes he won't succumb to the pressure of the bright lights. After all, it's hard for the first-year middle blocker to get distracted when everything still feels like a dream.
"Because Loyola HS was so close, I use to come to USC games all the time," said Feathers. "So, to now be here and starting on this team during my freshman year is quite a thrill. I try to stay in the moment as much as possible, because this is all very surreal for me."
