Written by Caroline Deisley, USC blog contributor
For the first time in two years, the USC football coaching staff has a decision to make at the quarterback position. The battle for the starting job between Max Browne, Sam Darnold, Jalen Greene and Matt Fink was competitive throughout Spring Ball and on Monday, head coach Clay Helton announced that the battle will continue into the fall.
For the first time in two years, the USC football coaching staff has a decision to make at the quarterback position. The battle for the starting job between Max Browne, Sam Darnold, Jalen Greene and Matt Fink was competitive throughout Spring Ball and on Monday, head coach Clay Helton announced that the battle will continue into the fall.
Browne and Darnold are the two frontrunners for the QB1 title. Browne, the redshirt junior, brings the most experience, appearing in three games as a redshirt sophomore and six as a redshirt freshman. He's completed 11-of-19 passes for 143 yards in his career, and last Saturday in the Spring Game, he completed 7-of-11 for 114 yards and three touchdowns.
After redshirting his freshman year, Darnold came into the spring ready to take the starting spot as a dual-threat talent under center. His speed and arm strength has impressed the coaching staff, making the decision for the starting role a difficult one. In the Spring Game, the redshirt freshman threw for 63 yards on 6-of-7 passing with two touchdowns.
Whoever Helton and his staff decide to go with will have a tough career opener against Alabama on September 3. But with the weapons USC boasts on offense surrounding him and an experienced offensive line in front, the Trojans' next starting quarterback has a promising year ahead.
