Head Coach Clay Helton will enter his first fall camp with the Trojans after taking over the helm mid season. University of Southern California also hired Lynn Swann as the new Athletic Director to take all teams to next level. So what can we really expect from this new era, QB, Coaches and more.
This Trojans team returns 13 from last year 9 offense, 4 defense. Players to watch this season will be Tailback Ronald Jones II who will fit in Helton plan to be a more physical and tuff. Could Tailback U be back, would be safe play with Max Brown now under center. Brown will have some great weapons from JuJu Smith-Schuster who lead team last year with 1,454 yards and 10 touchdowns. Once the double team comes expect Senior WR Darreus Rogers to show up big last year he averaged 10.3 yards per catch. Up front senior Zach Banner will be leader, they have all five positions returning starters. It’s not the sexiest positions but offense line having all returners will be huge if they stay healthy.
On the defense for front seven linebacker Cameron Smith is one of only two back for the Trojans. Smith had a breakout game versus Utah with three interceptions and a touchdown to show off his versatility to stop run and the pass. Coming off the highs of competing at the Olympic Trials cornerback Adoree’ Jackson will focus on defense but you know can’t keep his explosiveness off field. On opposite side will be fellow future NFL player Iman Marshall, both corners can lock up man to man. A nice surprise will be Freshman Jack Jones who should play a lot in 2-4-5 defensive set up.
USC will be a force in PAC-12 South with all the talent they have but their schedule will either set them up for greatness or just an average year. The Trojans open up on the road against the National Champions Alabama. Who could ask for better measure stick then that, can they shake up college football on September 3rd?
Prediction: 2nd PAC-12 South, Holiday Bowl
