2018 USC Spring Football Outlook

The USC football team has performed at a high level and has seen steady improvement in Clay Helton's first 2 full seasons as its head coach, going from winning a Rose Bowl in 2016 to claiming the Pac-12 crown in 2017.

Helton and his squad are aiming to continue that upward momentum in 2018. The foundation for that quest begins with this spring's practice.

"The work we put in this spring will go a long way in helping us win another Pac-12 title and make a push to the playoffs," said Helton, a Bryant Award finalist as the nation's top coach the past 2 years.  "We do not believe in staying comfortable or staying stagnant. We are always looking to improve and move forward.

"We understand the expectations at USC and that is to win championships. That's what we expect of ourselves."

Helton, who this February had his contract extended through the 2023 season, posted more victories (21) in his first 2 full seasons than any other USC head coach. He also is the only Trojan head coach to have back-to-back 10 win seasons in his first 2 full seasons. He has won 73.0% of his games (27-10), including his 2 stints as Troy's interim head coach, and he has captured 80% (20-5) of his Pac-12 contests. He has 9 victories over AP Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 5. He has yet to lose in the Coliseum (16-0).

In 2017, his Trojans went 11-3 overall (USC's most wins since 2008) despite playing all 12 regular season games without a bye. USC was 8-1 in Pac-12 play and won the Pac-12 Championship Game (the first South Division team to do so), giving Troy its first league title since 2008. The Trojans, who played in the Cotton Bowl, finished 12^th in the final AP poll.

Some 80 USC squadmen return from last year, including 52 who saw action. Fourteen starters are back (7 on each side of the ball), along with both specialists. There also are 13 other returnees who have career starts to their name. They will be joined by 18 newcomers who comprised a recruiting class ranked among the nation's Top 5 (of those recruits, 6 have already enrolled at USC and will participate in spring drills).

Like Helton, USC's offensive (Tee Martin) and defensive (Clancy Pendergast) coordinators had their contracts extended in February. Martin again will be in charge of an offense that in 2017 put up its highest total yardage average (484.1) since 2005 and had 600-plus yards of total offense in 3 games. Pendergast, on the other hand, once again will lead a defense that in 2017 led the nation in sacks (43), had 24 takeaways and was stingy in the red zone.

On offense, USC returns a pair of starting wide receivers (the Trojans usually started 3 wideouts) in Tyler Vaughns, who had 57 receptions for 809 yards with 5 touchdowns in his 2017 debut campaign, and Michael Pittman Jr., who added 23 catches in 2017 and earned All-Pac-12 first team honors as a special teams performer, as well as veteran tight end Tyler Petite, who has 48 career catches (23 last year). Four of USC's starting offensive linemen return in 2018: versatile Toa Lobendahn, a tackle last year who might be used at center this season, guards Chris Brown and Andrew Vorhees (he can also play tackle) and tackle Chuma Edoga. Other offensive players returning with career starts are tailback Stephen Carr(363 rushing yards and 17 catches in 2017), tight ends Daniel Imatorbhebhe (25 career grabs) and Erik Krommenhoek and tackle Clayton Johnston.

USC's defense returns both inside linebackers in Cameron Smith, a 2017 All-Pac-12 first teamer when he led Troy with 112 tackles (he has 273 career stops), and John Houston Jr. (84 tackles in 2017), and 3 secondary players in safety Marvell Tell III, another 2017 All-Pac-12 first team honoree who had 84 tackles last fall, and cornerbacks Iman Marshall (6 career interceptions) and Jack Jones (4 picks last season). Also back are part-time starters Jordan Iosefa, who saw work at both inside and outside linebacker, nickel back Ajene Harris (5 career thefts) and defensive lineman Christian Rector (11 tackles for losses, with 7.5 sacks, in 2017). Others back on defense with starting experience are outside linebackerPorter Gustin (14 career sacks), defensive linemen Malik Dorton, Brandon Pili, Marlon Tuipulotu and Connor Murphy and cornerbacks Isaiah Langley and Jonathan Lockett.

Both specialists return: placekicker Chase McGrath, who had 2 dramatic field goals against Texas among his 12 total field goals in 2017, and punterReid Budrovich (41.6-yard punting average in 2017). And USC's leading kickoff (wide receiver Velus Jones Jr.) and punt (Harris) returners are back, as are the snapper (Damon Johnson) and holder (Wyatt Schmidt).

Helton's 2018 coaching staff remained nearly stable once again, as he lost only 2 assistants from 2017 after losing just 1 the previous year. He brought back former USC assistant Tim Drevno, who was Michigan's offensive coordinator the past 3 years, as the running backs coach/running game and pass protection coordinator and he also elevated a pair of 2017 quality control assistants to fulltime roles: ex-Alabama-Birmingham quarterback and Western Kentucky assistant Bryan Ellis to coach the quarterbacks (he served as USC's interim quarterbacks coach in the Cotton Bowl) and former USC and NFL standout wide receiver Keary Colbert to handle the tight ends and inside receivers (Colbert fills the 10^th fulltime assistant position allowed now by the NCAA).

USC, however, will be hard-pressed to replace a number of players missing from last year's squad. Gone on offense are a trio who left after their junior seasons to join the NFL—quarterback Sam Darnold, who won 2017 All-Pac-12 first team acclaim when he became USC's first 4,000-yard season passer, All-American tailback Ronald Jones II, USC's No. 5 career rusher who had back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons the past 2 years (1,550 yards with 19 TDs in 2017), and wide receiver Deontay Burnett, who had 86 catches for 1,114 yards with 9 TDs last year (152 career receptions)—as well as 2-year starting center Nico Falah, wide receiver Steven Mitchell Jr. (109 career catches with 11 TDs, including 41 clutches in 2017) and guard Viane Talamaivao (37 career starts). Those gone from the defense include All-American outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (75 tackles, with 9.5 sacks, and 13 deflections last fall), 2017 All-Pac-12 first team defensive linemen Rasheem Green, who had 16.5 career sacks (he declared for the NFL after his junior campaign) and Josh Fatu, and safety Chris Hawkins (36 career starts).

USC, which has won its last 16 home games (its longest streak since 2001-04), will play 6 contests in 2018 in a Coliseum undergoing renovations (it will be finished for the 2019 season). The stadium's 2018 capacity has been reduced by about 14,000 seats to 78,467 as construction has begun on a south-side structure that will house suites, loge boxes, club seats, new concourse and new press box. Troy will open its 2018 slate at home on Labor Day weekend by hosting UNLV of the Mountain West on Sept. 1, only the second time the teams have played. The Trojans then go on the road for a pair of marquee games, first opening league competition at Stanford on Sept. 8 (the eighth consecutive season that USC will play the Pac-12's first conference game of the year) and then traveling to Big 12 territory to face Texas on Sept. 15 (Troy's first visit to Austin since 1966). USC returns to the Coliseum for a Friday night contest against Washington State on Sept. 21, the Trojans' first Friday home game since 1999. It also will be the Cougars' first game in the Coliseum since 2013. The Trojans then alternate road and home Saturday contests the rest of their 2018 schedule, beginning with a Sept. 29 trip to Arizona. After a bye the following weekend, USC welcomes Colorado to the Coliseum on Oct. 13. Troy is then at Utah on Oct. 20, home against Arizona State on Oct. 27, begins November play going to Oregon State on Nov. 3 (its first game in Corvallis since 2013) and hosts California on Nov. 10. USC concludes its 2018 regular season by playing its traditional rivals, first meeting UCLA in the Rose Bowl on Nov. 17 and then hosting Notre Dame on Nov. 24 of Thanksgiving weekend.

OFFENSE

Seven starters return on offense from 2017: wide receivers Tyler Vaughns and Michael Pittman Jr., tight end Tyler Petite, center-tackle Toa Lobendahn, guard Chris Brown, tackle Chuma Edoga and guard-tackle Andrew Vorhees. Other offensive players back with starting experience are tailback Stephen Carr, tight ends Daniel Imatorbhebhe and Erik Krommenhoek and tackle Clayton Johnston.

Under offensive coordinator Tee Martin, who often uses formations that include extra wideouts and no fullback, USC's 484.1 yards of total offense in 2017 was its highest average since 2005 for the second consecutive year. The Trojans had at least 600 yards of total offense 3 times in 2017 (the other Pac-12 teams combined had 6). Last year, USC was fifth nationally in first downs (340), 13th in total offense, 16th in passing offense (299.0) and 25th in completion percentage (.629). Troy's 4,157 passing yards in 2017 was a school season record, as was its 192 passing first downs. The Trojans averaged 32.6 points per game last fall. However, USC must replace its first-ever 4,000-yard passer, a back-to-back 1,000-yard season rusher and a pair of wide receivers who combined last year for 127 receptions, 1,758 yards and 13 TDs.

"There is talent across the board on our offense," said Helton, "but we have a big challenge after losing a 4,000-yard passer, a 1,500-yard rusher and a 1,100-yard receiver. Our strength offensively is in our numbers. It'll take all of us to produce another top tier offense like we had last year."

QUARTERBACKS
USC must replace one of its finest quarterbacks ever, as 2-year starter Sam Darnold declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year. In 2017, Darnold set school season records for passing yards (4,143, the first Trojan 4,000-yard signalcaller) and total offense (4,225 yards), as well as most 200-yard (13) and 300-yard (8) passing outings. He threw 57 touchdowns in his career, including 26 in 2017 when he was an All-Pac-12 first team choice. The 2-time Manning Award finalist was 20-4 as a starter.

Only 1 of his potential replacements has any collegiate experience and it is limited. Mobile sophomore Matt Fink (6-of-9, 66.7%, 43 yds in 2017, plus 7 tcb, 82 yds, 11.7 avg, 1 TD) saw brief mop-up action in 3 games last year, throwing just 9 passes. Then there's promising redshirt freshman Jack Sears, along with a pair of walk-ons in junior Thomas Fitts, who will also work as a placekicker, and soph Holden Thomas.

Prep All-American JT Daniels (Mater Dei High in Santa Ana, Calif.), the 2017 Gatorade Player of the Year who led Mater Dei to a 15-0 record and the national prep title as a junior, will graduate high school a full year early and enroll at USC in the fall as a freshman. In his prep career, he threw for 12,014 yards with 152 TDs.

"This is an important time for the quarterback position as far as their education goes, so we will use the spring to educate and not evaluate," said Helton.  "We don't have to name a starter in the spring. After losing a great quarterback like Sam, we have some talented young quarterbacks who will need to use the spring to take the next step to prepare for the 2018 season."

RUNNING BACKS
Although USC's tailback corps suffered a huge loss when back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher Ronald Jones II declared for the NFL after his 2017 junior season, there is an experienced stable of runners returning. Jones ran for 3,619 yards with 39 TDs in his career, good for fifth on USC's prestigious all-time rushing chart. He had 14 career 100-yard rushing performances. He was an All-American and All-Pac-12 first teamer in 2017 when he ran for 1,550 yards with 19 scores while being a finalist for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.

Three tested tailbacks will be among those looking to replace Jones in 2018. Veteran senior Aca'Cedric Ware (49 tcb, 247 yds, 5.0 avg, 1 TD in 2017, plus 6 rec, 62 yds, 10.3 avg) has appeared in 34 games in his career, gaining 680 ground yards (he has 3 100-yard rushing games). He ran for 247 yards in 2017. Physical sophomore Vavae Malepeai (49 tcb, 261 yds, 5.3 avg in 2017, plus 3 rec, 5 yds, 1.7 avg and 4 tac) had 261 rushing yards last season. Then there's elusive soph Stephen Carr (65 tcb, 373 yds, 5.6 avg, 3 TD in 2017, plus 17 rec, 188 yds, 11.1 avg and 3 KOR, 64 yds, 21.3 avg and 1 tac), who had an eye-opening debut in 2017 while running for 373 yards and catching 17 passes. Carr will be sidelined during 2018 spring drills after having back surgery.

Also available are 2 untested walk-ons in sophomore Chris Edmondson and redshirt freshman Ben Easington, as well as junior cornerback Dominic Davis, a one-time tailback who redshirted last year after he was moved to defense (he could be used some on offense in 2018).

Joining the tailback group in the fall as a freshman will be prep All-American Markese Stepp (Cathedral High in Indianapolis, Ind.), who had 975 rushing yards with 17 TDs in 2017.

In recent years, USC has rarely used a fullback. The only fullback on the 2018 roster is senior Reuben Peters (1 tcb, 0 yds, 0.0 avg in 2017, plus 1 tac), who also might be used at inside linebacker (his original position) and on special teams.

"Although we lost a great tailback in Ronald, we are very fortunate to have some talented and experienced runners to fill his spot," said Helton.  "I look forward to watching the competition develop at this position."

WIDE RECEIVERS
The Trojans lost a pair of veteran, highly-productive receivers from last year, but the wideout corps remains deep and potent in 2018. Gone are Deontay Burnett, who had 152 career receptions with 16 TDs (including 86 grabs for 1,114 yards and 9 scores in 2017) before declaring for the NFL after his junior season, and Steven Mitchell Jr., a 2017 co-starter when he had 41 grabs for 644 yards (in his career, he had 109 receptions with 11 TDs).

But back are sophomore Tyler Vaughns (57 rec, 809 yds, 14.2 avg, 5 TDs in 2017, plus 1 PR, 9 yds, 9.0 avg and 2 tac), who had an impressive debut season in 2017, and junior Michael Pittman Jr. (23 rec, 404 yds, 17.6 avg, 2 TD in 2017, plus 2 PR, 89 yds, 44.5 avg, 1 TD and 6 tac, 1 BLK P), a 2017 co-starter who earned All-Pac-12 first team honors as a special teams player (he had a scoring punt return and also blocked a punt last year).

USC uses 3 wideouts in most formations, so several others will be vying for key playing time in 2018. Soph Velus Jones Jr. (6 rec, 46 yds, 7.7 avg in 2017, plus 31 KOR, 760 yds, 24.5 avg and 5 tcb, 15 yds, 3.0 avg) grabbed 6 passes in 2017 and was USC's kickoff returner (his 760 kick return yards is already 12^th on Troy's career list). Four fellow sophomores have also seen limited time:  Trevon Sidney (3 rec, 35 yds, 11.7 avg in 2017), Josh Imatorbhebhe (2 rec, 11 yds, 5.5 avg in 2017), Randal Grimes (2 rec, 17 yds, 8.5 avg in 2017) and Keyshawn "Pie" Young, who redshirted last year after working at cornerback in 2016.

Then there are 3 walk-ons who have yet to catch a pass: junior Jake Russell (1 tac in 2017) and redshirt freshmen Matt Nyman and Jack Webster.

Coming aboard in the fall as freshmen will be prep All-Americans Amon-Ra St. Brown (Mater Dei High in Santa Ana, Calif.), who caught 72 aerials for 1,320 yards with 20 TDs in 2017 as Mater Dei was named the prep national champs (he had 44 career TD clutches), and Devon Williams (Antelope Valley High in Lancaster, Calif.), who had 71 receptions for 1,157 yards with 13 TDs last season.

"Deontay and Steven leave some big shoes to fill, but I like the quality and depth of our receiving corps," said Helton.  "I loved watching how our young wide receivers grew up last season and performed, as evidenced by the play of Tyler and Michael. I'm now looking forward to watching how the receivers establish themselves as leaders on our offense."

TIGHT ENDS
Tight end is USC's most complete and well-stocked position.

Senior Tyler Petite (23 rec, 307 yds, 13.3 avg, 3 TD in 2017), who has 48 career catches, returns as last year's starter after catching 23 passes with 3 TDs. Junior Daniel Imatorbhebhe (8 rec, 144 yds, 18.0 avg in 2017, plus 1 tac), who has 25 career catches and 9 starts, had 8 receptions in an injury-hampered 2017 campaign. Sophomores Josh Falo (4 rec, 65 yds, 16.2 avg, 2 TD in 2017, plus 1 tac) and Erik Krommenhoek (2 rec, 11 yds, 5.5 avg in 2017) played often as 2017 rookies and made key contributions.

Then there's senior walk-on Austin Applebee, who has seen limited action.

"This is one of our most experienced positions," said Helton.  "Tyler and Daniel are not only upperclass veterans, but leaders of our offense. I expect our tight ends to now become an even bigger part of our offensive system."

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
USC's offensive line should be strong and stable in 2018, as 4 starters return. The only line starters missing are 2-year starting center Nico Falah and guard Viane Talamaivao, who was starting for his fourth year in 2017 before suffering a mid-season injury (he had 37 career starts).

Senior Toa Lobendahn (2 tac in 2017), who has started all 34 games in which he has appeared (at 4 different spots), was the left tackle in 2017, but this year he could move back to center, where he played in his injury-plagued 2015 and 2016 seasons. Seniors Chris Brown at left guard and Chuma Edoga at right tackle are back after steady 2017 starting campaigns. Sophomore Andrew Vorhees (1 tac in 2017) stepped in at right guard when Talamaivao went down in 2017 and played consistently (he also can play tackle).

Two other tackles saw significant action last year in junior Clayton Johnston (3 starts) and sophomore Austin Jackson (3 tac, 1 BLK FG in 2017). Battling to get into the playing rotation at guard will be senior Jordan Austin (he played most of the Pac-12 Championship Game versus Stanford), junior Jacob Daniel and soph Frank Martin II. Then there is redshirt freshmen Alijah Vera-Tucker, who can play guard and tackle, tackle Jalen McKenzie and center Brett Neilon.

Prep All-American center Justin Dedich (Chaparral High in Temecula, Calif.) graduated from high school a semester early and enrolled at USC this spring as a freshman, able to participate in 2018 spring drills. Tackle Liam Douglass (Harvard-Westlake School in Studio City, Calif.) joins the line unit in the fall as a freshman.

"Returning 4 starters on the offensive line will be a tremendous advantage for our offense, especially players of the caliber of Toa, Chris, Chuma and Andrew," said Helton.  "Our challenge this spring will be to develop our younger linemen into productive contributors."

DEFENSE

Seven defensive starters return from 2017: inside linebackers Cameron Smith and John Houston Jr., safety Marvell Tell III, cornerbacks Iman Marshall and Jack Jones, defensive lineman Christian Rector, inside-outside linebacker Jordan Iosefa and nickel back Ajene Harris. Others defensive players back with career starts are outside linebacker Porter Gustin, defensive linemen Malik Dorton, Brandon Pili, Marlon Tuipulotu and Connor Murphy and cornerbacks Isaiah Langley and Jonathan Lockett.

Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast, who employs an attacking 5-2 system that can transition into a 3-4 or 4-3 and who often uses 5 defensive backs, saw his 2017 unit lead the nation in total sacks (46) and finish fourth in red zone defense (.712), fifth in sacks per game (3.3), 19th in total interceptions (16), 21st in defensive touchdowns (3) and tied for 23^rd in total takeaways (24). While USC allowed just 26.1 points per game in 2017, it did surrender nearly 400 total yards an outing (395.6).

"Our defense can carry our team this year," said Helton.  "Defense wins championships and this is a group that can accomplish that. We have a lot of defensive players who have played a lot of football."

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
USC's defensive line will miss dominant lineman Rasheem Green, a 2017 All-Pac-12 first teamer who had 117 career tackles with 16.5 sacks before leaving after his junior season for the NFL (he had 10 sacks among his 43 tackles last fall), and tackle Josh Fatu (34 tackles in 2017), but for the first time in several years, USC has established depth up front. There will be a spirited competition for playing time.

Junior Christian Rector (35 tac, 11 for loss, 2 FR in 2017) split time starting in 2017 and notched 11 tackles for loss (7.5 sacks) among his 35 stops.

Several other returning linemen also had some 2017 starts: senior Malik Dorton (24 tac, 3.5 for loss, 5 dfl in 2017), sophomore Brandon Pili (14 tac, 1 BLK FG in 2017) and redshirt freshman Marlon Tuipulotu (2 tac in 2017), who was off to a promising debut before suffering a back injury. Then there is junior Connor Murphy (3 tac in 2017), a converted outside linebacker, soph Liam Jimmons (5 tac in 2017) and redshirt freshmen Jacob Lichtenstein and Jay Tufele, along with untested walk-on sophomore Connor Rossow.

Caleb Tremblay (American River Community College in Sacramento, Calif.), a junior college transfer, enrolled at USC this spring as a junior and will be in 2018 spring practice. He had 7.5 sacks among his 74 tackles as a juco player. Entering the fray in the fall as a freshman will be Trevor Trout(Chaminade College Prep in St. Louis, Mo.).

"It feels like we finally have the numbers we've wanted up front," said Helton.  "Last year with Rasheem and Josh leading the way, this group did a tremendous job, helping us lead the nation in sacks, and I look for that to continue this season with returning players like Christian. The challenge this year is to develop our young defensive linemen and get them into the mix."

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
All-American outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, who had 168 career tackles (20.5 for losses, with 12.5 sacks) while starting the past 2 seasons, is gone and will be difficult to replace. He had 75 stops (9.5 sacks) and 13 deflections in 2017 while earning All-Pac-12 first team acclaim.

But disruptive senior Porter Gustin (16 tac, 3 for loss in 2017) returns after missing most of last year with toe and bicep injuries. In his career, he has made 109 tackles, with 23 of them for losses (14 were sacks).

Looking to break into the playing rotation are junior Oluwole Betiku Jr. (2 tac, 0.5 for loss in 2017), who will be sidelined during 2018 spring drills after having hip surgery, sophomore Juliano Falaniko (6 tac in 2017) and redshirt freshman Hunter Echols.

There are 2 players who are versatile enough to play either inside or outside linebacker: junior Jordan Iosefa (31 tac, 3 for loss, 2 dfl in 2017), a part-time starter in 2017 (5 of his 7 starts were on the outside), and soph Levi Jones (15 tac in 2017).

Prep All-American Kana'i Mauga (Waianae High in Waianae, Hi.) graduated a semester early from high school and enrolled at USC this spring as a freshman so he can participate in 2018 spring practice. Adding to the unit in the fall as freshmen will be Abdul-Malik McClain (JSerra Catholic High in San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) and Eli'jah Winston (Central Catholic High in Portland, Ore.).

"I see a wealth of talent coming off the edge for us this year," said Helton. "The challenge will be replacing Uchenna and all that he brought to our defense. But a senior leader like Porter can help the younger players and put us in a good position."

INSIDE LINEBACKERS
The heart of USC's defense is at inside linebacker, with a pair of stellar returning starters and some high-potential younger players.

Senior Cameron Smith (112 tac, 11 for loss, 3 dfl, 1 FR, 1 int in 2017), a 3-year starter who could be in line for post-season honors in 2018, has 273 career tackles and has led the Trojans in stops the past 2 seasons. He had 112 tackles, including 11 for losses, last fall when he was named to the All-Pac-12 first team. Junior John Houston Jr. (84 tac, 3.5 for loss, 4 dfl, 1 FR, 1 int in 2017) notched 84 tackles last year.

Also ready to contribute are junior Jordan Iosefa (31 tac, 3 for loss, 2 dfl in 2017) and soph Levi Jones (15 tac in 2017). Both can also play on the outside (of Iosefa's 7 starts in 2017, all but 2 were on the outside). Redshirt freshman Tayler Katoa is healthy after missing last season with a knee injury.

Also available are a pair of untested walk-ons who moved from the outside: junior Matt Bayle and redshirt freshman Bryce Matthews.

Senior fullback Reuben Peters (1 tcb, 0 yds, 0.0 avg in 2017, plus 1 tac) also could be used here (he played inside linebacker earlier in his Trojan career).

Raymond Scott (Narbonne High in Harbor City, Calif.), who had 94 tackles last year as a prepster, graduated a semester early from high school and enrolled at USC this spring as a freshman, so he will participate in 2018 spring practice. Joining the mix in the fall as freshmen will be prep All-Americans Palaie Gaoteote IV (Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas, Nev.), who led his team to the 2017 Nevada state title, and Solomon Tuliaupupu(Mater Dei High in Santa Ana, Calif.), who won the High School Butkus Award and was USA Today's prep Defensive Player of the Year as he helped Mater Dei to last season's high school national championship.

"This is a very strong group for us, in experience, depth and the potential of the younger players," said Helton.  "Having Cameron and John back and the versatility of Jordan gives us great confidence at this position. It will be important to develop the younger players, starting this spring."

DEFENSIVE BACKS
USC's secondary returns nearly intact, losing only safety Chris Hawkins, who made 234 tackles while starting 36 times in his career, and often-used backup safety Matt Lopes.

Senior safety Marvell Tell III (85 tac, 2.5 for loss, 2 dfl, 1 FR, 3 int with 1 TD in 2017) is back after earning All-Pac-12 first team honors in 2017. He is a 2-year starter with 164 career stops, including 85 last season when he picked off 3 passes. Senior cornerback Iman Marshall (52 tac, 1 for loss, 10 dfl in 2017) has started the past 3 seasons. He has 6 career interceptions and 170 tackles, with 52 of those stops coming in 2017. Junior cornerbackJack Jones (40 tac, 8 dfl, 1 FR, 1 BLK FG, 4 int in 2017, plus 4 PR, 48 yds, 12.0 avg and 3 KOR, 45 yds, 15.0 avg) led USC in interceptions with 4 last year, his first as a starter.

Senior cornerback Ajene Harris (59 tac, 1.5 for loss, 6 dfl, 1 FR, 3 int with 1 TD in 2017, plus 14 PR, 72 yds, 5.1 avg and 1 KOR, 20 yds, 20.0 avg), USC's nickel back, started 9 times last fall in extra defensive back formations and made 59 tackles and 3 picks. He also was USC's punt returner.

Many of the other returning defensive backs are experienced. Senior cornerback Isaiah Langley (38 tac, 6 dfl in 2017) started 4 times last year and junior safety Ykili Ross (13 tac, 1 for loss, 2 int in 2017) started twice last season. Then there's sophomore safeties Bubba Bolden (8 tac in 2017) and C.J. Pollard (4 tac, 1 for loss in 2017), redshirt freshman Greg Johnson, who saw some action early last season before suffering a shoulder injury, senior cornerback Jonathan Lockett, who missed last year with a hip injury, and junior cornerback Dominic Davis, a one-time tailback who redshirted last year after he was moved to defense (he could be used some on offense in 2018).

Also in the mix are a pair of redshirt freshmen—cornerback Je'Quari Godfrey and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao—who both were sidelined with injuries in 2017 (knee and shoulder, respectively), as well as walk-on safeties Davonte Nunnery, a senior, and soph Richard Hagestad, both who have yet to play.

Two freshmen—safety Talanoa Hufanga (Crescent Valley High in Corvallis, Ore.) and cornerback Chase Williams (Roosevelt High in Eastvale, Calif.)—graduated a semester early from high school as prep All-Americans and enrolled at USC this spring (they will participate in 2018 spring drills). Battling for action in the fall as freshmen will be prep All-American cornerbacks Olaijah Griffin (Mission Viejo High in Mission Viejo, Calif.) and Isaac Taylor-Stuart (Helix High in La Mesa Calif.), who combined for 13 interceptions in their high school careers.

"This is a veteran, experienced group with a lot of players who have taken a lot of reps, even with Chris having moved on," said Helton.  "With the likes of Marvell, Iman, Ajene and Jack, the goal now is to be one of the best secondaries in the nation. And we must develop the talented young players we have acquired the past 2 years."

SPECIAL TEAMS

All of USC's special teams personnel returns in 2018: the punter (Reid Budrovich), placekicker (Chase McGrath), snapper (Damon Johnson), holder (Wyatt Schmidt), kickoff returner (Velus Jones Jr.) and punt returner (Ajene Harris).

USC special teams coordinator John Baxter is known for turning out productive, efficient and innovative special teams. Last year, while using primarily walk-on specialists, the Trojans pinned opponents within the 20-yard line 41% of the time on punts (and had only 3 touchbacks), had touchbacks on 37% of their kickoffs and kicked a game-winning field goal in overtime (coming on the heels of a field goal at the gun to get the game into overtime). USC also blocked 3 field goals as well as a punt (for a TD) last year, pulled off a misdirection punt return for a TD and had a blind long snapper successfully snap 2 PATs. However, the Trojans did surrender a scoring kickoff return and a blocked punt in 2017 and the leading punt returner had only a 5.1-yard return average.

"Under coach Baxter, we should continue to be very effective in all phases of our special teams," said Helton.  "We understand the importance of good special teams play and we devote a lot of time to this part of the game. Even with Chase and Reid returning, I expect that the specialists will push each other every day. That kind of competition elevates everyone's performance."

PUNTERS
USC has a pair of punters on the roster who have started.

Last year, left-footed senior Reid Budrovich (41.6 P avg in 2017) won the punting job and was effective, averaging 41.6 yards on his 55 boots, with 23 of them pinning opponents within the 20-yard line (he had only 3 touchbacks). He also kicked off in 3 games in 2017 (getting 8 touchbacks). For his efforts, the one-time walk-on was awarded a scholarship for 2018.

Senior Chris Tilbey of Australia was Troy's 2016 punter, when he averaged 38.3 yards and had only 8 of his 50 punts returned. He did not see action in 2017.

Also available is senior walk-on James Bermingham Jr., as well as senior Wyatt Schmidt (1 tac in 2017), who primarily is USC's holder and has snapped on occasion.

PLACEKICKERS
Sophomore Chase McGrath (12-of-17 FG, 58-59 PAT in 2017, plus 1 tac, 1 FR) returns after handling the placekicking duties in 2017, when he hit 12 field goals (including a 31-yarder with no time remaining to send the Texas game into overtime and then a 43-yarder to win it in the second overtime) and all but 1 of his 59 PAT tries. He hit 8 field goals in a row early in the season. He also kicked off most of the year, getting 20 touchbacks on his 57 kickoffs. A walk-on last season, he earned a scholarship in 2018.

Soph Michael Brown, who kicked off early in 2017 (getting 3 touchbacks on 9 kickoffs) before suffering a knee injury, hopes to return healthy in 2018 to compete for the job.

Junior walk-on quarterback Thomas Fitts also will work at placekicker. Seniors Reid Budrovich, the punter, and Wyatt Schmidt, the holder, could be used in emergencies, as both were kickers in high school.

SNAPPERS
Sophomore Damon Johnson returns as the long snapper after performing flawlessly in 2018, his first year in that role. Senior Wyatt Schmidt (1 tac in 2017), USC's holder the last 2 seasons, also is able to snap (he did so in 2 games in 2018).

Another snapper on the roster is blind junior Jake Olson. In one of college football's most inspirational moments of 2017, he successfully snapped the final PAT in the Western Michigan season opener (he did so again mid-season against Oregon State on the final PAT).

HOLDERS
Senior Wyatt Schmidt (1 tac in 2017) has been USC's holder on placekicks the past 2 years (he also can snap and punt). Senior punter Reid Budrovich backed him up last year and could do so again in 2018.

RETURNERS
Soph Velus Jones Jr. (31 KOR, 760 yds, 24.5 avg in 2017) is back after serving as USC's primary kickoff returner in 2017. His 760 kick return yards is already 12^th on Troy's career list. Junior cornerback Jack Jones (3 KOR, 45 yds, 15.0 avg in 2017), soph tailback Stephen Carr (3 KOR, 64 yds, 21.3 avg in 2017) and senior cornerback Ajene Harris (1 KOR, 20 yds, 20.0 avg in 2017) each returned a few kicks last year.

Harris (14 PR, 72 yds, 5.1 avg) is back as USC's reliable punt returner, although he averaged just 5.1 yards per return in 2017. Others who have returned punts are Jones (4 PR, 48 yds, 12.0 avg in 2017), junior wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (2 PR, 89 yds, 44.5 avg, 1 TD in 2017) and sophomore wide receiver Tyler Vaughns (1 PR, 9 yds, 9.0 avg in 2017).

It's also possible that some of USC's 2018 newcomers will be tried in kick and punt return roles.

Players Mentioned

Deontay Burnett

Sam Darnold

Nico Falah

Josh Fatu

Rasheem Green

Chris Hawkins

Ronald Jones II

Matt Lopes

Steven Mitchell Jr.

Uchenna Nwosu

Viane Talamaivao