USC redshirt freshman QB Sam Darnold posted a record-setting season in 2016, becoming the catalyst for a remarkable turnaround which ended in the Trojans first Rose Bowl berth since 2008 (2009 Rose Bowl Game).
Darnold led the nation's freshmen in passing efficiency (161.0), completion percentage (68.1), TD passes (26) and yards per attempt (8.4) while going 8-1 as a starter this season. He's thrown multiple TD in each of USC's eight consecutive wins, the longest streak by a USC QB since Matt Leinart did so 15 times in a row between 2003 and 2004. Leinart has praised Darnold's poise and talent throughout the season.
His 26 passing touchdowns were the most ever by a freshman QB at USC, and his 5 TD vs. Arizona represented a Trojan rookie single-game record as well. When he threw 5 TD in the very next game against Cal, he became the first USC QB to ever mount back-to-back 5 TD games.
Darnold, who ranks second in the nation in Total QBR according to ESPN, was named the 2016 Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year for his efforts. If he earns national distinction, Darnold would become just the second Freshman All-American QB in USC history (Todd Marinovich in 1989).
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