2020 USC Spring Football Outlook
3/9/2020
The 2019 USC football season proved to be a nice-but-still-not-where-they-want-to-be bounceback from the Trojans’ disappointment of 2018.
This upcoming 2020 campaign, however, has the potential to be special for USC, whose roster sports the kind of talent, experience and depth in all phases of the game that could propel Troy to big things.
“We have invested a great deal of time and effort in preparation for the 2020 season,” said Clay Helton, now in his fifth full season as USC’s head coach. “Our players have had a great off-season getting ready for spring practice. We have assembled a coaching staff that brings creativity and energy in all phases. Our administration has devoted support and resources to help us compete for championships.”
Seventeen starters (8 on offense and 9 on defense), plus the placekicker and punter, return from a young 2019 USC squad that won 5 of its last 6 regular season games to go 8-5 overall and 7-2 in the Pac-12 South, qualifying for the Holiday Bowl. Those Trojans gave Utah its only regular season loss. Two of USC’s losses were by a field goal, including one in overtime on the road. USC was able to have a winning season despite a number of substantial hurdles: fielding only 4 senior starters, having 26 starters or key backups miss action due to injuries, starting 3 different quarterbacks, and entering games down to a fourth-string tailback or with 4 defensive starters out or missing both starting cornerbacks or both starting defensive ends. As further evidence of its youth, Troy played 35 freshmen (including 21 true freshmen) in 2019, with 11 getting starts (7 by true frosh). Fifteen sophomores started games in 2019.
In all, USC returns 93 squadmen from that 2019 team, including 69 who saw action. That is Troy’s most returning squadmen since 1989, when there were 99 (USC’s 18 lost squadmen from last season are its fewest since 1987, when there were 17). Only 10 scholarship players from 2019 are missing. On the Trojans’ 106- man 2020 roster, 45 players have started at least once in their careers. The returnees will be joined by 13 newcomers, including 4 who are already enrolled at USC and will participate in spring practice.
“We are excited to have a team that brings back so much experience and talent,” said Helton, who guided the Trojans to a Rose Bowl victory in 2016 and a Pac-12 Championship Game win in 2017. “That’s a big plus.”
USC’s offense—which averaged 455 total yards, including a school-record 335 passing yards, and 32 points a game—returns its top 3 passers, top 6 rushers, 7 of its top 8 pass catchers and 3 starting linemen from 2019. Quarterback Kedon Slovis, who was the 2019 Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and a Freshman All-American first teamer, completed a Pac-12 record and NCAA freshman record 71.9% of his passes for a USC frosh record 3,502 yards with 30 TDs to rank in the national Top 20 in completion percentage, passing yards, completions, passing efficiency, passing TDs and total offense. Wide receivers Amon- Ra St. Brown (77 catches) and Tyler Vaughns (74) each hauled in 6 touchdowns last fall, while Drake London added 5 TDs among his 39 grabs. Tailbacks Vavae Malepeai, Stephen Carr, Markese Stepp and Kenan Christon combined for 1,579 rushing yards with 16 scores last year. Tight ends Erik Krommenhoek, Josh Falo and Daniel Imatorbhebhe (he sat out the past 2 years while injured) have 58 career receptions among them. Six linemen—All-Pac-12 first teamer Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jalen McKenzie, Andrew Vorhees, Liam Jimmons, Brett Neilon and Justin Dedich—have extensive starting experience.
The Trojan defense welcomes back 12 of its top 13 tacklers from 2019, as well as its leaders in sacks, tackles for loss, interceptions, deflections and forced fumbles. The defensive line is anchored by All-Pac-12 first teamer Jay Tufele, Freshman All-American first team pick Drake Jackson, 2-year starter Marlon Tuipulotu and often-used Brandon Pili. Inside linebackers Palaie Gaoteote IV and Kana’i Mauga together tallied 119 tackles in 2019, while Jordan Iosefa was set to start last fall before being sidelined by injury. Safeties Talanoa Hufanga (90) and Isaiah Pola-Mao (73) were second and third on USC in tackles last year, while Pola-Mao added a team-best 4 picks. Cornerbacks Olaijah Griffin (team-high 9 deflections), Greg Johnson (at nickelback), Isaac Taylor-Stuart and Chris Steele all saw plenty of action in 2019.
Almost all of USC’s 2019 specialists return: placekicker Chase McGrath, who has 32 career field goals, Aussie punter Ben Griffiths (41.2 average in 2019), who doubles as the holder, kickoff specialist Alex Stadthaus, 3-year starting long snapper Damon Johnson and punt returners Tyler Vaughns and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
“As we go into the second year of this offensive system, we look to improve on what was one of the nation’s top offenses last year,” said Helton, the first USC head coach to have 10-win seasons in each of his first 2 full seasons. “And we expect to greatly benefit from a new defensive system and special teams approach.”
After bringing in Graham Harrell as USC’s offensive coordinator in 2019 (with his “Air Raid” style attack), Helton made wholesale coaching changes on the defensive and special teams units for 2020. The Trojan defense gave up a school record in total yards in 2019.
Todd Orlando, who has 15 years of experience as a collegiate defensive coordinator, including the past 3 seasons at Texas, will call the Trojan defense and handle the linebackers. Craig Naivar, a 26-year coaching veteran at schools such as Houston, Kentucky and most recently Texas, was named safeties coach. Donte Williams, who spent the past 2 years at Oregon and is regarded among the nation’s top recruiters, joins as the cornerbacks coach and defensive pass game coordinator. Vic So’oto, a former NFL player who coached Virginia’s defensive line the past 3 seasons, is the new defensive line coach.
USC's new defensive coaches come from different backgrounds but share the same philosophy.
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) March 4, 2020
The Trojans are back on the attack. #FightOn pic.twitter.com/VxtIh23keU
Sean Snyder, whose special teams at Kansas State annually ranked among the nation’s best, will be Troy’s special teams coordinator (he is the son of legendary retired K-State head coach Bill Snyder).
Mike Jinks (running backs), Keary Colbert (wide receivers) and Tim Drevno (offensive line) return with Harrell on the offensive staff, while John David Baker was promoted from offensive quality control analyst to tight ends coach.
“I have seen a new energy infusing our team that is coming from our coaches,” said Helton, who has 12 career victories over AP Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 5 and 4 in the Top 10. “I like the mix we have of new staff on the defense and special teams joining with the offensive coaches who have been with us. I can’t wait to watch them develop our team this season.”
Although the players not returning from the 2019 roster are few in number, the lost production is significant. All-Pac-12 first team wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who won the 2019 Pop Warner College Football Award and was a finalist for the Biletnikoff and Witten Awards, caught 101 passes with 11 TDs last season and was in the national Top 20 in receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs. He is 12th on USC’s career receptions list (171). Fellow All-Pac-12 first teamer Austin Jackson, a 2-year starter at left offensive tackle, declared for the NFL after his junior year. Starting right tackle Drew Richmond came to USC last fall as a graduate transfer after starting 3 years at Tennessee. Three-year starting inside linebacker John Houston Jr., who led the Trojans in tackles in 2019 with 104, had 271 stops in his career. Defensive lineman Christian Rector notched 107 tackles while starting 23 games in his career. Wideout Velus Jones Jr. made his mark as a kick returner the past 3 seasons, running back a USC record 81 kickoffs in his career and finishing second on the school’s all- time kickoff return yardage chart (he also had 36 career receptions). He entered the transfer portal as a grad student.
Standing in the way of USC’s hopes for a strong 2020 is a schedule full of daunting opponents. The slate features 7 teams that played in bowl games last season, with 6 winning their bowl. Seven of the Trojans’ foes in 2020 won at least 8 games in 2019. Five of USC’s home opponents won bowls and 4 had at least 8 victories last year. For the first time since 1969, USC will play a schedule that alternates road and home games throughout the regular season.
USC will open its 2020 slate in the AdvoCare Classic on Sept. 5 of Labor Day weekend in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex., facing Alabama of the Southeastern Conference in a rematch of the 2016 AdvoCare Classic. The Trojans then begin their home schedule on Sept. 12 by hosting New Mexico of the Mountain West Conference, the first-ever meeting between the teams. Troy next goes to Stanford on Sept. 19 for its Pac-12 opener, then welcomes Arizona State to the Coliseum on Sept. 26. USC travels to defending Pac-12 South champion Utah for a Friday night contest on Oct. 2. The Trojans return home for an Oct. 10 game against California, then visit Arizona on Oct. 17. After a bye week, USC resumes play in the Coliseum against Colorado on Oct. 31 (the 14th time Troy has played on Halloween). On Nov. 7, USC plays at defending Pac-12 champion Oregon, then it hosts Washington on Nov. 14 before meeting crosstown rival UCLA in the Rose Bowl on Nov. 21. USC concludes its regular season by hosting annual intersectional foe Notre Dame in a Thanksgiving weekend clash on Nov. 28. The 2020 Pac-12 Championship Game will be on Dec. 4 and for the first time it will be held in Las Vegas, Nev., at the new Allegiant Stadium.
“As it is every year, our schedule is challenging,” said Helton, who is 24-4 in the Coliseum and 31-12 versus Pac-12 foes, including 20-4 against the Pac-12 South. “We have been working hard to prepare for this great opportunity of playing big games on the biggest stage next season.”
Perhaps a promising sign for the 2020 Trojans: in seasons that the Summer Olympic Games have been held, USC has won 4 national titles and played in 11 bowls (winning 8).
OFFENSE
Eight starters return on offense from 2019: quarterback Kedon Slovis, wide receivers Tyler Vaughns, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Drake London, tailback Vavae Malepeai, offensive linemen Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jalen McKenzie and Brett Neilon and tight end Erik Krommenhoek. London and Krommenhoek split starts. Other offensive players back with starting experience are quarterbacks JT Daniels and Matt Fink, tailbacks Stephen Carr and Kenan Christon, tight ends Josh Falo and Daniel Imatorbhebhe and offensive linemen Andrew Vorhees, Liam Jimmons and Justin Dedich.
USC brings back most of its 2019 offensive production: its 3 leading passers, top 6 rushers and 7 of its top 8 pass catchers. Last fall, the Trojans averaged 455.4 yards of total offense, including a school-record 335.8 passing yards, and 32.5 points a game. USC was in the national Top 25 in 6 offensive categories last fall: fourth in completion percentage (.710), sixth in passing offense, 12th in passing efficiency (159.0), 20th in total offense, 21st in third down conversions (.456) and 24th in first downs (301). But Troy’s 119.6 rushing yards were its fewest since 2001.
“With 8 returning starters, our offense is filled with older, experienced players,” said Helton. “We had great offensive production in 2019 in the first year under Graham Harrell. He did an excellent job of creating an explosive offense. Now, I’m looking forward to seeing that offense advance as it goes into a second season under Graham.”
QUARTERBACKS
USC is loaded at quarterback, with all 3 signalcallers owning starting experience...and wins. The incumbent is precocious sophomore Kedon Slovis (282-of-392, 71.9%, 3,502 yds, 30 TD, 9 int in 2019), who had a record-setting debut last fall as a true freshman and now is showing up in various 2020 Heisman Trophy projections. The 2019 Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and Freshman All-American first teamer took over when starter JT Daniels went down late in the first half of last year’s opener and never looked back, completing a USC, Pac-12 and freshman NCAA record 71.9% of his passes for a USC frosh record 3,502 yards with 30 TDs and just 9 picks. His 167.6 passing efficiency mark was a school record, while his 282 completions and 3,445 yards of total offense were Trojan freshman standards. His 4 games with 400- plus passing yards—including a USC record 515 versus UCLA—set a USC season record and ties the school career mark. Slovis completed at least 67% of his passes in all but 1 of the 12 games he played last fall. He ranked in the nation’s Top 20 in completion percentage, passing yards, completions, passing efficiency, passing TDs and total offense.
Soph JT Daniels (25-of-34, 73.5%, 215 yards, 1 TD, 1 int in 2019), who started all of 2018 as a true freshman, was off to a brilliant start to his 2019 sophomore campaign, on pace to throw for more than 400 yards against Fresno State in the opener while completing almost three-fourths of his throws. But he tore knee ligaments late in the game’s opening half and was sidelined for the rest of the 2019 season (he was able to redshirt), opening the door for Slovis. Daniels will battle to win his job back, although he’ll be limited in spring practice while recovering from the knee injury. In 2018 just a season after graduating high school a year early, Daniels started 11 games and threw for 2,672 yards and 14 TDs. His 37 completions against Notre Dame that year was a USC game record that Slovis equaled against UCLA in 2019.
Slovis wasn’t immune to injury, either. When he was suffered a concussion on the second play of last year’s Utah game, senior Matt Fink (58-of-88, 65.9%, 648 yds, 4 TD, 5 int in 2019) took over and led USC to a victory over the No. 10 Utes by throwing for 351 yards and 3 scores. He started the next game at Washington as Slovis remained sidelined and also played most of the second half against Iowa in the Holiday Bowl when Slovis hurt his throwing elbow.
“It will be fun to see how all of our quarterbacks progress this spring,” said Helton. “Kedon and Matt will get lots of work and I’m excited that JT has progressed well enough from his surgery that he can participate in some non-contact drills in the spring.”
RUNNING BACKS
USC returns its entire stable of productive and effective tailbacks, and each supplies a different running style. Together, they combined for more than 1,500 rushing yards with 16 TDs in 2019.
Seniors Vavae Malepeai (105 tcb, 503 yds, 4.8 avg, 6 TD in 2019, plus 15 rec, 70 yds, 4.7 avg, 1 TD) and Stephen Carr (72 tcb, 396 yds, 5.5 avg, 5 TDs in 2019, plus 22 rec, 143 yds, 6.5 avg, 1 TD and 6 KOR, 106 yds, 17.7 avg) are the veterans of the corps, able to carry and catch the ball equally well. The hard-charging Malepeai has 1,265 running yards with 14 scores in his career, including a team-high 503 yards and 6 TDs in 2019 with 7 starts despite missing 5 outings with a knee issue. He also has 33 receptions at USC (15 in 2019). The explosive Carr, who has 1,153 career rushing yards with 10 TDs as well as 47 receptions, ran for 396 yards with 5 TDs last fall and caught 22 passes, but missed 3 mid- season games with a hamstring strain. He also has returned 15 kickoffs in his career.
Sophomore Markese Stepp (48 tcb, 307 yds, 5.7 avg, 3 TD in 2019) is a bruising runner at 235 pounds. He rumbled for 307 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2019 before missing the last 6 games with an ankle sprain (the injury could limit him in 2020 spring practice). Adding lightning to Stepp’s thunder is soph speedster Kenan Christon (68 tcb, 373 yds, 5.5 avg, 2 TD in 2019, plus 11 rec, 126 yds, 11.5 avg, 3 TD and 1 KOR, 20 yds, 20.0 avg), who is bringing his 10.30 time in the 100 meters to USC’s track team this spring after winning the California state 100 and 200 meters as a high school senior. He played in USC’s last 7 games of 2019 and collected 373 rushing yards (he also caught 11 passes) while getting 3 starts. He had 103 second-half yards with 2 scores off the bench against Arizona when Malepeai, Carr and Stepp were sidelined by injuries.
Senior Quincy Jountti (13 tcb, 38 yds, 2.9 avg in 2019, plus 6 tac), a one-time walk-on who was awarded a scholarship last fall, adds depth to the tailback rotation and also is a key special teams performer.
Junior walk-on Ben Easington, who has yet to carry the ball at USC, missed last season with a torn knee ligament after a shoulder injury downed him for most of 2018 (the knee injury likely will limit him in 2020 spring practice).
“We have a group of high-level running backs who all contributed significantly last year and they give us lots of talent and experience at this position,” said Helton. “Vavae and Stephen are veterans. There will be intense competition for playing time and that will benefit all of them and our team.”
WIDE RECEIVERS
Although USC lost its leading pass catcher from 2019, its receiving corps is well stocked with the returning wideouts having accounted for 194 receptions and 18 touchdowns last fall.
But the loss of All-Pac-12 first teamer Michael Pittman Jr. can’t be overlooked. The winner of the 2019 Pop Warner College Football Award and a finalist for the Biletnikoff and Witten Awards caught 101 passes with 11 TDs last season and was in the national Top 20 in receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs. He ended his career 12th on USC’s career receptions list (171). And gone to the transfer portal is Velus Jones Jr., who grabbed 36 career passes (6 in 2019) but made his mark as a kickoff returner the last 3 years (he had a USC career record 81 kickoff runbacks and was second on the school’s all-time kickoff return yardage chart).
Headlining USC’s 2020 receiver group are senior Tyler Vaughns (74 rec, 912 yds, 12.3 avg, 6 TD in 2019, plus 7 PR, 46 yds, 6.6 avg and 1 KOR, 10 yds, 10.0 avg and 3 tac), a 3-year starter, and junior Amon-Ra St. Brown (77 rec, 1,042 yds, 13.5 avg, 6 TD in 2019, plus 7 tcb, 60 yds, 8.6 avg, 1 TD and 12 PR, 66 yds, 5.5 avg). The vets each had 4 100-yard receiving games in 2019. Vaughns is ninth on USC’s all-time receptions list (189) and has 7 100-yard receiving outings and 17 TDs in his career. Last fall, he caught 74 passes with 6 scores. St. Brown joined Pittman as a 1,000-yard receiver in 2019 (he had 1,042) while snagging 77 passes with 6 TDs. In his career, he has 137 receptions with 9 scores to rank 19th on USC’s all-time list. Both also are experienced punt returners (Vaughns has 27 in his career, St. Brown has 13). A sports hernia might limit St. Brown in 2020 spring practice.
Also back is promising sophomore Drake London (39 rec, 567 yds, 14.5 avg, 5 TD in 2019), who emerged by the middle of last season as a key option in USC’s passing attack. He caught 39 passes (all but 3 in the final half of the season) with 5 TDs (1 in each of the final 5 games). London, also a standout basketball player, joined the Trojan hoops team soon after football season ended, so his participation in the early part of spring practice could be limited.
Four other young receivers from last year’s roster will battle for increased action: sophomores John Jackson III and Munir McClain (3 rec, 19 yds, 6.3 avg in 2019) and redshirt freshmen Kyle Ford (1 rec, 20 yds, 20.0 avg, 1 TD in 2019) and Bru McCoy. Jackson appeared in 11 games last fall but did not have a catch, McClain was off to a nice start in 2019 (he had 3 receptions) but tore knee ligaments in mid-season and could be limited in spring practice, Ford had a TD on his only catch of 2019 and was able to redshirt after seeing action in only 4 late-season games and McCoy sat out 2019.
There also are 5 walk-ons in senior Chris Caulk, junior Jack Webster, sophs Zach Wilson and Brad Aoki and redshirt freshman Chase Locke. Webster and Wilson have seen brief action in games, but have not caught a pass.
Two receivers graduated a semester early from high school and joined the Trojans as freshmen this spring: prep All-Americans Gary Bryant Jr. (Centennial High in Corona, Calif.) and Joshua Jackson Jr. (Narbonne High in Harbor City, Calif.).
“This is an extremely explosive and dangerous group of pass catchers, with a nice mix of experience and youth,” said Helton. “Tyler and Amon-Ra highlight the receiving corps, and we’re very optimistic about the potential of the younger players.”
TIGHT ENDS
USC’s entire tight end crew from 2019 is back, as is a familiar face from the past. Look for the position to become more involved in the passing attack in 2020.
Seniors Erik Krommenhoek (11 rec, 122 yds, 11.1 avg in 2019) and Josh Falo (4 rec, 23 yds, 5.8 avg, 1 TD in 2019, plus 1 tac) manned the position last year, but were used primarily as blockers. Between them, they have 33 career receptions, including 15 in 2019.
Troy welcomes back sixth-year senior Daniel Imatorbhebhe, who hasn’t stepped on the field since 2017 due to a leg injury. Before that, he proved to be a dangerous downfield threat while catching 25 passes with 4 scores in 2016 and 2017.
Two redshirt freshmen, Jude Wolfe and Ethan Rae, will push to get into the mix. Wolfe saw limited time in 4 games in 2019 and was able to redshirt, while Rae sat out last fall while recuperating from a high school knee injury (it could keep him sidelined in 2020 spring practice).
There also are a pair of untested walk-ons in senior Scott Voigt and redshirt freshman Sean Mahoney.
Bolstering this group in the fall as a freshman will be Jack Yary (Murrieta Valley High in Murrieta, Calif.), the son of former USC and NFL legend Ron Yary, the 1967 Outland Trophy winner who was the No. 1 pick in the 1968 NFL Draft and played in 4 Super Bowls with the Vikings before being inducted into the Pro and College Football Halls of Fame.
“This is a group of players that has played a lot of football and it should be one of our stronger positions,” said Helton. “Erik, Josh and Daniel have all taken plenty of snaps. There are some younger players, too, who I expect will progress into the mix.”
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
USC will have to replace both offensive tackles and they were good ones. Left tackle Austin Jackson was a 2-year starter who earned All-Pac-12 first team honors last season. He declared for the NFL as a junior. Drew Richmond, the right tackle, came to USC in 2019 as a graduate transfer after starting for 3 seasons at Tennessee.
But there are plenty of talented offensive linemen remaining. In fact, six linemen on the 2020 roster have notched quality starts.
Leading the way is junior Alijah Vera- Tucker, who earned All-Pac-12 first team acclaim in 2019 when Pro Football Focus ranked him as the conference’s top guard (he was on the left side). He might work at tackle in 2020. Versatile junior Jalen McKenzie started primarily at right guard last year, but he also was used at right tackle. Fellow junior Brett Neilon started 11 games at center in 2019, a steady anchor to the line.
Senior Liam Jimmons, who came to USC as a defensive lineman but moved to offense last year, rotated often with McKenzie at guard, starting twice. Junior Andrew Vorhees started 2017 and 2018 at right guard, but an early-season ankle injury knocked him out last season (the injury could slow him in 2020 spring drills). Sophomore Justin Dedich started twice last year at center when Neilon was hurt.
Looking to get into the playing rotation are a number of returning linemen with limited experience to date: seniors Frank Martin II and Bernard Schirmer, sophomores Liam Douglass and AJ Mageo and redshirt freshmen Jason Rodriguez and Gino Quinones (a wrist injury might slow him this spring).
Also available are walk-ons Mark Zuvich, a sophomore, and junior Damian Lopez.
Nearly half of USC’s 2020 signing class was offensive linemen. Coming aboard in the fall as freshmen are prep All-American Jonah Monheim (Moorpark High in Moorpark, Calif.), along with Casey Collier (Barbers Hill High in Mont Belvieu, Tex.), Andres Dewerk (Los Gatos High in Los Gatos, Calif.), Courtland Ford (Cedar Hill High in Cedar Hill, Tex.), Andrew Milek (Brophy Prep in Phoenix, Ariz.) and Caadyn Stephen (Camas High in Camas, Wash.).
“After losing a pair of NFL-caliber tackles, our biggest challenge this spring will be identifying their replacements,” said Helton. “We are fortunate to have 9 players who saw action last year, including such talented returnees as Alijah, Jalen, Brett and Andrew. We also are looking forward to the 6 talented newcomers coming to this unit in the fall.”
DEFENSE
Nine defensive starters return from 2019: defensive linemen Jay Tufele, Drake Jackson and Marlon Tuipulotu, safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Isaiah Pola-Mao, co-starting inside linebackers Palaie Gaoteote IV and Kana’i Mauga, cornerback Olaijah Griffin, co- starters at cornerback Isaac Taylor-Stuart and Chris Steele and nickelback-cornerback Greg Johnson. Other defensive players back with career starts are inside linebacker Jordan Iosefa, defensive linemen Brandon Pili, Caleb Tremblay, Connor Murphy and Jacob Lichtenstein, safety Chase Williams, nickelback-cornerback Max Williams, cornerback Dorian Hewett, outside linebacker Hunter Echols and inside linebacker Eli’jah Winston.
The Trojan defense has 12 of its top 13 tacklers back from 2019, as well as its leaders in sacks, tackles for loss, interceptions, deflections and forced fumbles. But last year the defense allowed a USC opponent record 408.7 total yards (including 246.2 through the air) and 29.4 points (the most since 2000) while getting just 16 takeaways.
“With 9 returning starters, our defense goes from a young group in 2019 to one that now is experienced and deep this year,” said Helton. “I’m excited to watch them develop in an aggressive new system under Todd Orlando. I’m also excited to watch our new defensive coaches work together and bring an energy as they develop our defense.”
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
The defensive front should be a position of strength for USC despite losing lineman Christian Rector, who started 23 games in his career and made 107 tackles.
Junior Jay Tufele (41 tac, 6.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 dfl in 2019), who earned All-Pac-12 first team honors in 2019, could be the league’s top defensive lineman in 2020. Plugging the middle is another effective junior, Marlon Tuipulotu (46 tac, 6 for loss, 2 sack, 3 dfl, 1 FF in 2019), a 2-year starter with 81 tackles and 11.5 stops for a loss in his career. Sophomore Drake Jackson (46 tac, 11.5 for loss, 5.5 sack, 3 dfl, 1 FF, 1 safety in 2019), a 2019 Freshman All-American first teamer when he led the Trojans in tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (5.5), is superb attacking from the edge and could see time at outside linebacker. Experienced senior Brandon Pili (18 tac, 5 for loss, 1.5 sack, 3 dfl, 1 FF in 2019) has filled in often at various line spots.
Several of the backups have seen key playing time, including seniors Caleb Tremblay (16 tac, 3 for loss, 2 sack in 2019) and Connor Murphy (5 tac, 1 sack, 1 BLK FG in 2019), who each own career starts, and juniors Nick Figueroa (10 tac, 1 sack, 1 FR, 1 dfl in 2019) and Jacob Lichtenstein, who missed 2019 with a knee injury that could slow his this spring. Then there are sophomore Trevor Trout and redshirt freshmen De’jon Benton (3 tac in 2019) and Stanley Ta’ufo’ou, all who saw brief action last fall.
Prep All-American Kobe Pepe (St. John Bosco High in Bellflower, Calif.) graduated from high school a semester early and enrolled at USC as a freshman this spring. Joining in the fall as frosh will be prep All-American Jamar Sekona (Marin Catholic High in Kentfield, Calif.) and Tuli Tuipulotu (Lawndale High in Lawndale, Calif.), Marlon’s younger brother.
“This is one of the best and most experienced defensive lines in the country,” said Helton. “We only lost one player from this group, so we have lots of players who got quality time last year. Jay and Marlon are the anchors and Drake can attack effectively from the interior or the edge. This group will benefit from the coaching of Vic So’oto, who comes from a program (Virginia) that had 46 sacks last season.”
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
USC has just a small cadre of outside linebackers, although defensive lineman Drake Jackson (46 tac, 11.5 for loss, 5.5 sack, 3 dfl, 1 FF, 1 safety in 2019) might be used here as an edge rusher.
Juniors Hunter Echols (9 tac, 1.5 sack, 1 FR, 1 dfl in 2019) and Juliano Falaniko (12 tac, 1.5 for loss, 0.5 sack, 1 FR in 2019) are the most experienced. Echols started twice last year, but is coming off late-season shoulder surgery that will limit him this spring.
Sophomore Abdul-Malik McClain (2 tac, 2 sack in 2019), Munir’s older brother, showed well in 2019 when healthy. Shoulder and knee injuries limited him to 5 games last year (he had post-season surgery on his shoulder that could slow him in 2020 spring drills).
There also are 2 walk-ons: junior Bryce Matthews, who is coming off a back injury that knocked him out all of 2019, and Peter Esparza.
“This unit is part of our entire defensive front, bringing pressure on the offense,” said Helton. “I’m excited to see their progression in our new aggressive system.”
INSIDE LINEBACKERS
Gone is 3-year starting inside linebacker John Houston Jr., who led the Trojans in tackles in 2019 with 104. He had 271 stops in his career. But USC is deep at the inside linebacker spot.
Juniors Palaie Gaoteote IV (58 tac, 3 for loss in 2019) and Kana’i Mauga (61 tac, 7 for loss, 3 sack, 2 dfl, 1 FF, 1 int in 2019, plus 1 KOR, 0 yds) shared starts inside in 2019 next to Houston, with Mauga getting 8 and Gaoteote 7. Mauga was fourth on the Trojans in tackles last fall with 61 and Gaoteote was right behind with 58 despite missing 5 games with ankle injuries.
Senior Jordan Iosefa, who has 16 career starts at inside and outside linebacker, was in line to start on the inside last fall but he dislocated his kneecap in fall camp and missed the 2019 season (the injury might slow him this spring).
Several other returnees have some playing experience and will compete for time: sophomores Ralen Goforth (6 tac in 2019) and Eli’jah Winston (8 tac, 1 for loss in 2019), who missed the first half of 2019 with an ankle sprain (he started once), and redshirt freshmen Maninoa Tufono (2 tac in 2019) and Tuasivi Nomura, who appeared briefly in 4 games in 2019, but did not make a tackle.
After being sidelined his first 2 seasons at USC with a foot injury, sophomore Solomon Tuliaupupu is hopeful he can get on the field in 2019.
Three walk-ons bolster the inside linebacker unit: senior Grant Jones, soph Spencer Gilbert (1 tac in 2019) and redshirt freshman Clyde Moore, who sat out last year with a knee injury.
“We have good depth, experience and talent here, led by Palaie, Jordan and Kana’i,” said Helton. “And there are some good young linebackers on the rise. Under the guidance of Todd Orlando, I think our linebackers will take advantage of playing in his new defense.”
DEFENSIVE BACKS
USC’s secondary, which was young in 2019 but is now experienced and deep, welcomes almost everyone back in 2020.
The Trojans feature one of the nation’s top safety duos in juniors Talanoa Hufanga (90 tac, 7.5 for loss, 3.5 sack, 3 dfl, 2 FF in 2019) at strong safety and Isaiah Pola-Mao (73 tac, 5.5 for loss, 1.5 sack, 4 int, 2 dfl in 2019) at free safety. Hufanga (90) and Pola-Mao (73) were second and third on the team in tackles last year. Hufanga’s 18 tackles against UCLA were the most by a Trojan since Troy Polamalu’s 20 against Utah in 2001. Pola-Mao had a team- best 4 picks last fall, including 1 in 3 consecutive games (the first Trojan to do so since 1998) and 2 of his thefts were in the end zone. In their careers, Hufanga has 141 stops and Pola-Mao has 81. Hufanga likely will miss 2020 spring drills after having post-seaon shoulder surgery.
Three players who shared primary time at cornerback in 2019 return: junior Olaijah Griffin (37 tac, 0.5 for loss, 9 dfl in 2019), who led the Trojans in deflections last fall with 9, and sophomores Isaac-Taylor Stuart (36 tac, 1 for loss, 1 int, 4 dfl in 2019) and Chris Steele (35 tac, 1 for loss, 5 dfl, 1 FR in 2019), who split starts in 2019. Taylor-Stuart will be slowed in spring drills after suffering torn knee ligaments in last year’s Holiday Bowl.
Junior Greg Johnson (35 tac, 2 for loss, 1 sack, 4 dfl, 2 int, 1 FR, 1 FF in 2019), who was USC’s nickelback last fall, also returns.
There are plenty of tested backups in the secondary. At safety, there are sophomores Chase Williams (29 tac, 1 for loss in 2019), who has 5 career starts, Briton Allen (5 tac in 2019), Kaulana Makaula (6 tac, 2 dfl in 2019) and Raymond Scott (1 tac in 2019), who has also played inside linebacker. At corner, there are sophomores Dorian Hewett (10 tac, 1 dfl in2019), who started once in 2019, and Jayden Williams (6 tac in 2019) and redshirt freshman Adonis Otey (1 tac in 2019). And at nickelback or cornerback is redshirt frosh Max Williams (6 tac, 1 sack, 1 dfl, a FF in 2019), who started twice last year.
Two walk-ons also are available: soph Jordan McMillan (6 tac in 2019), a safety, and junior cornerback Jack Drake.
“Our defensive back corps from 2019 has remained nearly intact this season and a lot of them got on the field last year,” said Helton. “That will help the continuity of the back end of our defense as we work into a new system. Talanoa and Isaiah are outstanding safeties and I like our corners, too. I’m excited to watch the secondary’s development under Donte Williams and Craig Naivar.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
USC returns all but its kickoff returner on special teams: its punter (Ben Griffiths), placekickers (Chase McGrath, Michael Brown), kickoff specialist (Alex Stadthaus), long snapper (Damon Johnson), holder (Ben Griffiths) and punt returners (Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tyler Vaughns).
Troy’s punting average (41.2) last year was its highest since 2012 and only 10 of the team’s 52 punts were returned (just 3 were touchbacks). USC’s 14 field goals were its fourth most since 2008. The Trojans had a punt return for a TD in 2019 and they blocked 2 field goals. But USC’s 5.6 punt return average was its lowest since 1986 and its 21.2 kickoff return mark was its fifth lowest since 2002. Its kickoff return defense (29.8) ranked last nationally in 2019 and USC allowed 2 scoring kick returns for the first time since 2011.
“We’re very fortunate to have all of our specialists and most of our returners back from a year ago,” said Helton. “I anticipate that our special teams will be among the best in the country. Guys like Chase and Michael and Ben are proven performers. Sean Snyder, our new coordinator, has been a great teacher of special teams play and is known for the development of his players.”
PUNTERS
At punter, USC brings back strong-legged sophomore Ben Griffiths (41.2 P avg in 2019), who played professional Australian rules football before arriving at USC last season. He averaged 41.2 yards per boot in 2019, with 22 of his 52 punts pinning opponents within the 20- yard line. He only had 3 touchbacks.
Behind him are a pair of redshirt freshmen walk-ons in Will Rose and Michael Shahidi.
PLACEKICKERS
USC features a pair of placekickers with extensive experience.
Junior Chase McGrath (14-of-17 FG, 54-of- 54 PAT in 2019), Troy’s kicker in 2017 and 2019 (and for 3 games in 2018 before getting hurt), has 32 career field goals and has missed just 1 PAT in 119 tries. Last season, he was 14-of-17 on field goals and 54-of-54 on extra points.
Senior Michael Brown (1 tac in 2019) was the kicker in 2018 after McGrath got hurt, making 7-of-9 field goals and all 32 of his PAT tries. In 2019, he kicked off 17 times, with 8 touchbacks (he even recovered his own onside kick).
Junior Alex Stadthaus (4 tac in 2019) handled most of USC’s kickoffs in 2019 after doing so all of 2018. In his career, he has touchbacks on 48.8% of his kickoffs (60-of- 123), including 19 times in 62 kickoffs last year. He has not done any placement kicks at USC.
Prep All-American Parker Lewis (Saguaro High in Scottsdale, Ariz.) graduated a semester early from high school and is now a USC freshman this spring. He drilled touchbacks 82.6% of the time as a prep junior and senior, plus as a punter he averaged more than 50 yards per punt.
SNAPPERS
Senior Damon Johnson (2 tac, 1 FR in 2019) returns for his fourth year as the starting long snapper, a job he has handled flawlessly. He is backed by sophomore walk-on Jac Casasante, who has yet to play at USC.
HOLDERS
Sophomore punter Ben Griffith was USC’s holder in 2019 and should do so again in 2020. His backup last year was senior quarterback Matt Fink.
RETURNERS
USC must replace reliable kickoff returner Velus Jones Jr., who ran back a USC record 81 kickoffs in his 3-year career and is second on the school’s all-time kickoff return yardage chart. He had 29 kickoff returns for a 24.3-yard average in 2019, with a touchdown.
Among the candidates to take over the kick return duty are senior tailback Stephen Carr (6 KOR, 106 yds, 17.7 avg in 2019), the most experienced kickoff returner on the roster, fleet sophomore tailback Kenan Christon (1 KOR, 20 yds, 20.0 avg in 2019), senior wide receiver Tyler Vaughns (1 KOR, 10 yds, 10.0 avg in 2019), junior wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and redshirt freshman cornerback Adonis Otey. All were deep on kickoffs at some point in 2019.
Both of USC’s primary punt returners from 2019 are back this season: junior wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (12 PR, 66 yds, 5.5 avg in 2019) and senior wideout Tyler Vaughns (7 PR, 46 yds, 6.6 avg in 2019). Vaughns handled the punt return job in 2018, when his 10.5 average ranked 13th nationally (he had an 82-yard scoring runback that season).
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