Coaches like to say it all the time. No block, no rock. For receivers, that means blocking on the perimeter for the running back. For running backs, that means potentially putting your body on the line for a blitz pickup in pass-pro.

As Travis Dye says, “No blocky, no rocky. That’s just how it is.” And the senior tailback led by example in USC’s opener against Rice for the rest of the running back room.

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His breakdown of the block was almost as good as the block itself.

“I knew I had a route, I saw the d-end coming up and he’s showing all these ribs and, you know, I had to get me some baby back ribs, slap some barbeque sauce on that real quick,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “All my might right into his side.”

Dye finished the game with five carries and 20 rushing yards. He also had three receptions for 21 yards. The former Oregon Duck is in a crowded backfield and a crowded offense. The ball is going to work its way around. In a sense, that almost forces the backs to seek out other ways to make their mark on the game — like Dye’s pass-pro reps.

Expect Austin Jones to hear his number called on Saturday when USC takes on Stanford (4:30 p.m. PT, ABC), his former team. “He’s definitely antsy this week,” Dye said. “He wants to get after it.”

But, then again, quarterback Caleb Williams was the leading rusher for the team after Week 1, so maybe a little friendly competition there.

“Man, he’s a special kid,” Dye said. “He can do it all. He can literally do it all. He can pass, he can paint your back porch, he can walk your dog, and he can run the ball. He’s a great player.”

Just don’t ask him to block. Lincoln Riley might not be OK with that one. Leave that to the professionals like Dye.