If the Trojans are in the running for the NCAA title on either the men's or women's side next week in Eugene, the freshmen will be a big reason why.
As examples, Ky Westbrook and Deanna Hill are the only freshmen to qualify for the NCAA Championships in both the women's 100m and 200m sprints. Kendall Ellis is the only freshman in the women's 400m, while Nick Ponzio represents his entire class in the men's shot put.
Also on the men's side, Ricky Morgan is one of two freshmen in the 400m, Robert Ford is one of two in the 800m, and Marquis Morris is one of two in the 110m HH. Plus, jumpers Adoree' Jackson (long jump) and Randall Cunningham (high jump) sprung onto the scene from day one to qualify for the NCAA Championships.
During the 2015 outdoor season, USC has had four athletes set school freshman records, after claiming the first-season record in three indoor events. Six of USC's nine men to qualify individually for the NCAA Championships are freshmen, as well as four of the 12 women, in six individual events and as parts of both relays.
Westbrook (left) and Hill (right) are at the core of track's talent reload.
