Quarterback:
Let’s not waste any time here. The quarterback position is mostly judged on the strength of the starter, and that is music to every USC fan's ears. Matt Barkley will give USC the upper-hand at the quarterback position when compared to every other college football team. At first glance Max Wittek and Cody Kessler were two highly rated high school prospects and their development has Lane Kiffin pleased. With Max Browne, the highly touted Elite 11 quarterback in the fold next year, the future of the USC quarterback position seems to be in safe hands as usual.
Let’s not waste any time here. The quarterback position is mostly judged on the strength of the starter, and that is music to every USC fan's ears. Matt Barkley will give USC the upper-hand at the quarterback position when compared to every other college football team. At first glance Max Wittek and Cody Kessler were two highly rated high school prospects and their development has Lane Kiffin pleased. With Max Browne, the highly touted Elite 11 quarterback in the fold next year, the future of the USC quarterback position seems to be in safe hands as usual.
Score- 10
Running Back:
Curtis McNeal is an unbelievable talent who averaged nearly 7 yards a carry. Unfortunately, McNeal only stands at 5’7 and fair or not, the perception is that smaller backs are more susceptible to injuries. Entering the Spring, behind McNeal were tailbacks DJ Morgan and Javorius Allen. There was some concern as to whether USC could succeed in its championship quest with inexperienced backs spelling McNeal. Enter Silas Redd. Undoubtedly the most sought after Penn State free agent, Redd gives USC a tail back tandem that should be unstoppable.
Curtis McNeal is an unbelievable talent who averaged nearly 7 yards a carry. Unfortunately, McNeal only stands at 5’7 and fair or not, the perception is that smaller backs are more susceptible to injuries. Entering the Spring, behind McNeal were tailbacks DJ Morgan and Javorius Allen. There was some concern as to whether USC could succeed in its championship quest with inexperienced backs spelling McNeal. Enter Silas Redd. Undoubtedly the most sought after Penn State free agent, Redd gives USC a tail back tandem that should be unstoppable.
Score -10
Wide Receiver/Tight End:
Quick…Who is the best wide receiver in college football? If you said Robert Woods, pat yourself on the back. Is it unfair that the best quarterback in college football is throwing to the best wide receiver? That would be a yes. Well it only gets scarier for defenses for defenses from here. Lane Kiffin loves stating that Marquise Lee has a chance to be the best wide receiver in the illustrious history of USC football. With so many throws being aimed at Lee and Woods, USC can’t possibly have many more weapons for defenses to worry about, right? The tight end core of sophomores Randall Telfer and Xavier Grimble provide Matt Barkley with two security blankets who will move the chains.
Quick…Who is the best wide receiver in college football? If you said Robert Woods, pat yourself on the back. Is it unfair that the best quarterback in college football is throwing to the best wide receiver? That would be a yes. Well it only gets scarier for defenses for defenses from here. Lane Kiffin loves stating that Marquise Lee has a chance to be the best wide receiver in the illustrious history of USC football. With so many throws being aimed at Lee and Woods, USC can’t possibly have many more weapons for defenses to worry about, right? The tight end core of sophomores Randall Telfer and Xavier Grimble provide Matt Barkley with two security blankets who will move the chains.
Score – 10
Offensive Line:
With so much good all over the place on offense, let me say something negative about the USC machine. They lost Matt Barkley’s blind side protection, in Minnesota Vikings LT Matt Kalil. Any time you have to replace the number four overall pick in the NFL draft, there could be an adjustment process. The daunting task of replacing an all-American tackle goes to the very talented sophomore Aundrey Walker. This being USC, there has to be good news people. Matt Barkley will feel very comfortable knowing that he has four other returning starters in front of him. Leading the line, will be a three-time all-Pac 12 selection Khaled Holmes. The senior center should provide stable leadership to the young men flanking him. Marcus Martin is a 18 year old sophomore who started 10 games in 2011. The junior John Martinez is another steady returning starter who will be lining up at right guard. Kevin Graf at right tackle is a physical run blocker who should have a steady hold on protecting Barkley’s strong side.
With so much good all over the place on offense, let me say something negative about the USC machine. They lost Matt Barkley’s blind side protection, in Minnesota Vikings LT Matt Kalil. Any time you have to replace the number four overall pick in the NFL draft, there could be an adjustment process. The daunting task of replacing an all-American tackle goes to the very talented sophomore Aundrey Walker. This being USC, there has to be good news people. Matt Barkley will feel very comfortable knowing that he has four other returning starters in front of him. Leading the line, will be a three-time all-Pac 12 selection Khaled Holmes. The senior center should provide stable leadership to the young men flanking him. Marcus Martin is a 18 year old sophomore who started 10 games in 2011. The junior John Martinez is another steady returning starter who will be lining up at right guard. Kevin Graf at right tackle is a physical run blocker who should have a steady hold on protecting Barkley’s strong side.
Score- 8
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