#USCtotheNFL Top 100

By Sarah Bergstrom on June 3, 2016 10:08 AM | 1 Comment

We're halfway through the NFL Network's annual Top 100 countdown - a ranking of the Top 100 players for the upcoming season chosen by their peers - and two Trojans have earned a spot on the prestigious list. Former USC C Ryan Kalil, who helped carry the Panthers to the Super Bowl, came in at No. 79 while former USC LB Clay Matthews, the anchor of Green Bay's defense, was announced this week at No. 57.

Click here to watch Matthews' Top 100 video featuring input from both teammates and opponents.

The linebacker has started and starred for the Packers since he was drafted in the first round in 2009. This season, Matthews posted 66 combined tackles, the highest mark of his career, with one interception and one fumble recovery.

The starting center for the Panthers for eight years, Kalil earned a spot on his fifth career Pro Bowl team in 2016 as he helped lead the undefeated Panthers to the Super Bowl. His leadership and consistency are praised by opponents and teammates alike, including Patriots defensive tackle Terrance Knighton.

"He could definitely be one of the top reasons why Cam Newton has had the transition he's had to becoming an elite quarterback," Knighton said in Kalil's Top 100 video.

Check for more Trojans to be revealed each week on the NFL's complete list here.