USC does not return a ton of starting experience at the linebacker level, so the Trojans will be dependent on Freshman All-American Cameron Smith to lead the unit by displaying the same advanced maturity that made him a starter from day one in his college career. While Smith is coming back from a season-ending knee injury, he is still tabbed by the Butkus Award to be one of the best linebackers in the country.
Click here for the complete watch list. In his only season at Troy, Smith finished second on the team in tackles (78), despite playing four fewer games than team leader Su'a Cravens. He also tied for the team-high in interceptions, collecting all three in one game against Utah.
