USC head coach Clay Helton has named redshirt junior Max Browne the Trojans' starting quarterback in preparation for the season opener against Alabama."At this point, we feel that it is in the best interest of our football team to lean on the veteran experience that Max Browne has, so we have named him the starter going into our opening game against Alabama," said Helton. "With our experienced offensive line and the weapons at our skill positions, we as a staff are confident that Max's ability will help guide a very successful offense."
Browne was pushed throughout the spring and summer by redshirt freshman Sam Darnold who left a lasting impression on his head coach.
"The performance by Sam Darnold at such a young age in both spring and fall camps has made us very confident as a staff that Sam could enter any game and our offense would not miss a beat," Helton said. "Though we will not rotate quarterbacks, we do envision using Sam's unique athletic skill set for special situations throughout games this season."
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Browne, who has participated in 4 spring camps and 4 fall camps since enrolling at USC in the spring of 2013, has seen action in 9 games the past 2 seasons as the backup to now-graduated 3-year starter Cody Kessler. He has completed 11-of-19 passes (57.9%) for 143 yards in his career. He redshirted in 2013 after being named the 2012 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year at Skyline High in Sammamish (Wash.).
"I was thrilled when Coach Helton gave me the news," said Browne. "It was a moment of realization that hard work and staying the course paid off for me. I feel like I have put in the work necessary to earn the starting position and I look forward to leading this team to championships. Sam is a heck of a player and he pushed me to the final day of camp. We are good friends and I have no doubt he will have a great career at USC."
Darnold has yet to feature in a game in his young Trojan career after joining the program as a prep All-American from San Clemente High.
"I was disappointed in the outcome but confident in Coach Helton's decision," said Darnold. "Coach spent lots of time watching the film and making his evaluation. I am proud of the performance I gave during practices and I felt that I made huge strides in terms of leadership. I will continue to work hard and prepare as if I'm the starter, so I will be ready when my name is called. I'm proud of Max for what he has done and how he competed. The competition made us both better. I have no desire to leave USC, this is the place for me."
The complete 2016 depth chart is expected to be released Sunday. Helton will shift the team's focus from Fall Camp to mock game week and then Alabama week, so he wanted to have the leader of his offense in place.
"I personally appreciate how both men handled this competition with great maturity and comradery. After sharing the news with them today, both showed tremendous class and integrity. It is a great reflection of both men's character. We are very fortunate to have them on our football team. I look forward to watching both have highly successful football careers here at USC."
USC opens its season on September 3 against defending national champion Alabama at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Coliseum opener is Saturday, September 10, against Utah State.
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