An early look at spring depth chart
As the Trojans begin bowl practice sessions for the Holiday Bowl against Wisconsin, here’s a look ahead at what the depth chart could look like when USC opens spring ball sessions next March (with schemes in place right now, this could change depending on coordinators and new alignments):
Offense
QB
Projected starter: Max Browne
Reserves: Sam Darnold, Matt Fink*
—- This is going to be one of the more high-profile position battles in the country and Browne will get first shot but Darnold will get every opportunity during spring.
RB
Projected starter: Justin Davis
Reserves: Ronald Jones, Aca’Cedric Ware, Dominic Davis
—- Davis will head into spring as the starter based on his veteran status but it is clearly a 1-2 punch with him and Jones.
WR
Projected starter: JuJu Smith-Schuster
Reserves: De’Quan Hampton, Josh Imatorbhebhe*
WR
Projected starter: Darreus Rogers
Reserves: Isaac Whitney, Michael Pittman*
WR
Projected starter: Steven Mitchell
Reserves: Jalen Greene, Deontay Burnett, Ajene Harris
—- The starters are set at the three receiver spots but there could be a lot of jockeying for position among the reserves, and that will include Adoree’ Jackson in a limited role.
TE
Projected starter: Taylor McNamara
Reserves: Tyler Petite, Daniel Imatorbhebhe
—- This could end up being a competitive position battle. McNamara was the starter last year but Petite should benefit this off-season in his first full year in the USC strength program, it will be interesting to see where they are come spring.
LT
Projected starter: Chad Wheeler
Reserves: Roy Hemsley, Clayton Johnston, Nathan Smith*
LG
Projected starter: Damien Mama
Reserves: Chris Brown
C
Projected starter: Khaliel Rodgers
Reserves: Cole Smith
RG
Projected starter: Viane Talamaivao
Reserves: Nico Falah
RT
Projected starter: Zach Banner
Reserves: Chuma Edoga, Jordan Austin
—- As of this writing it’s assumed that Toa Lobendahn will still be rehabbing his knee during spring and will not take part, otherwise he could be penciled in as the starting center.
Defense
DT
Projected starter: Kenny Bigelow
Reserves: Jordan Simmons, Kevin Scott
NT
Projected starter: Noah Jefferson
Reserves: Jacob Daniel
DE
Projected starter: Rasheem Green
Reserves: Malik Dorton, Christian Rector
—- Things could be very fluid along the line in spring as all three starting spots are open for grabs and the coaches will be looking to find the best combination of players to work together.
SLB
Projected starter: Uchenna Nwosu
Reserves: Quinton Powell, John Houston
MLB
Projected starter: Cameron Smith
Reserves: Michael Hutchings
WLB
Projected starter: Olajuwon Tucker
Reserves: Osa Masina
Rush end
Projected starter: Scott Felix
Reserves: Porter Gustin, Don Hill, Jabari Ruffin, Liam Jimmons*
—- Nwosu looks to be the favorite to take over for Cravens but the competition to replace Sarao could be tight with Tucker and Masina battling in spring.
CB
Projected starter: Adoree’ Jackson
Reserves: Jonathan Lockett
CB
Projected starter: Iman Marshall
Reserves: Isaiah Langley
FS
Projected starter: Chris Hawkins
Reserves: Leon McQuay, Ykili Ross
SS
Projected starter: John Plattenburg
Reserves: Marvell Tell, C.J. Pollard*
—- While the pecking order is set at corner, it will be fun to watch things at safety in spring with so many talented players competing for time. Keep an eye on Ross, he was a redshirt last year who is ready to see the field.
Special teams
Punter
Projected starter: Chris Tilbey
Reserves: Reid Budrovich
Placekicker
Projected starter: Matt Boermeester
Reserves: Wyatt Schmidt
Long snapper
Projected starter: Zach Smith
Reserves: Jake Olson
—- Tilbey and Boermeester are both on scholarship, which makes them the favorites to be starters.
* = 2015 spring enrollee