LOS ANGELES — USC quarterback Jayden Maiava has been reading more, meditating more and pursuing his quest for more knowledge.

“I’m doing anything I can to be smarter and get more knowledge,” Maiava told reporters, “because knowledge is power.”

His efforts are paying off. Teammates and coaches are taking notice of the redshirt junior’s increased confidence in not just the Trojans’ offense but also the leadership responsibility that comes with being a quarterback.

“You just feel an improved and an elevated level of confidence with the way that he’s going about his business,” quarterbacks coach Luke Huard told reporters after practice on Monday. “He is always one that wants to learn more, wants to gain more knowledge, never satisfied with where he’s at.”

Maiava is the presumed starting qu

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