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 Julian Velasco & Gerardo Velasco2015 Trojan Wish Participant & Little Brother Julian Velasco & Gerardo Velasco2015 Trojan Wish Participant & Little Brother Command Sargent Major Michael CrespoUSC Masters of Business for Veterans Program, 2013-2014
The latest star in a long line of celebrated Trojan receivers, junior JuJu Smith-Schuster never ceases to leave jaws dropping and heads shaking every time he steps on the football field. The wide receiver has 143 catches for 2,178 yards with 15 touchdowns in his career. Zach Banner At 6-foot-9 and 350 pounds, Zach Banner is one of the largest men in college football with an even bigger personality. The redshirt senior, returning for his final season, brings a veteran presence to an already experienced offensive line. He's allowed one sack in three years at left tackle. Iman Marshall One of the most highly-anticipated young defensive players in the country, Iman "Biggie" Marshall is a lethal weapon in a dangerous USC secondary. The cornerback started in the Trojans' last 12 games in his rookie campaign, tallying 67 tackles, three interceptions and nine deflections. Darreus Rogers When he's not soaring above coverage to snag a touchdown, senior wide receiver Darreus Rogers is downfield blocking for a teammate. And in 2016, the do-it-all wide out is ready to make a big leap. No. 1 has 71 catches for 791 yards with seven touchdowns in his career, but he's hungry for more in his final season in Cardinal & Gold. Adoree' Jackson Somehow, triple-threat, dual-sport phenom Adoree' Jackson has found a way to elevate his game every year and in 2016, the most exciting player in college football is eager to do even more for the Trojans. Through two years, Jackson has compiled a remarkable stat sheet including 84 tackles, 18 deflections and one interception for a touchdown, 37 receptions for 552 yards and five touchdowns as a receiver and four special teams touchdowns. The definition of versatility, Jackson is a two-time All-American in the long jump. Cam Smith Sophomore linebacker Cam Smith made a great first impression with his unprecedented three interceptions in a single game against Utah in 2015. In 10 games he had 78 tackles, three deflections and three interceptions but his inaugural season was cut short due to a knee injury. Poised to be one of the top talents, and main leaders, of the Trojans' defense this year, Smith is ready to get back on the field and get to work. Justin Davis Senior Justin Davis enters 2016 as the veteran leader of an able-bodied USC running back corps. Steadily climbing the ranks since his freshman year, Davis now holds the starting spot, possessing a balanced and developed array of running, blocking and pass catching skills. He's amassed 1,858 yards and 17 touchdowns rushing in his career and is looking to add even more to those totals in his final campaign. Uchenna Nwosu With just one start in his Trojan career, junior Uchenna Nwosu heads into the 2016 season as one of the greener members of the Trojan defense. But what he lacks in experience, he more than makes up for in physicality and enthusiasm. In what's expected to be an aggressive defense under coordinator Clancy Pendergast, Nwosu is hungry to add to his career total of 40 tackles (1.5 for loss). Sam Cunningham A pioneer and USC icon, Sam "Bam" Cunningham and his 1970 Trojan team are credited with sparking the movement toward integrating college football in the South after their defeat of Alabama at Legion Field in the first game of his career. The fullback finished the game against the all-white Crimson Tide with 135 yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries, and the game has become legend in the 46 years since. Cunningham will serve as USC's honorary captain in the 2016 season opener at AT&T Stadium. Mimi Butler Representing the group of dedicated employees within USC's Student-Athlete Academic Services department who work tirelessly to help each Trojan athlete succeed both on and off the field is Mimi Butler. She's spent 16 years at USC working as a learning specialist with the daily mission of helping student-athletes thrive while in college and in their future careers. When asked what motivates her every day: "Everyone needs someone to believe in them and I try to be that person for each of my students. I always want them to know that I've got their back." Julian Velasco & Gerardo Velasco For some, fall game days at the Coliseum are an annual treat, for others, it's a dream come true. This October, 9-year-old Julian Velasco and his 6-year-old little brother Gerardo experienced their first-ever USC football game as part of USC's Trojan Wish program and had "the best day ever" in Cardinal & Gold. Diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma when he was five, Julian and his family spent over a year in and out of doctor's appointments, missing out on some of the joy of just being a kid. Now two and a half years into remission, Julian is having a lot of fun as an honorary member of the Trojan Family. Chris Wodniak A trombone player and member of "The Greatest Marching Band in the History of the Universe" for the last two years, junior Chris Wodniak understands that his role as the 2016-17 Drum Major is more than just a prestigious title. Tasked with leading the band and announcing the start to every USC football game in perhaps the most recognizable tradition in college football, Wodniak is the latest in a long line of leaders representing the unparalleled passion of the Trojan Family. "The Drum Major is the face of the Trojan Marching Band and the embodiment of Trojan Nation: the students, our athletes, the USC staff, our alumni and fans all over the world," explains Wodniak. "It personifies our endless pride, unwavering spirit and resilience no matter what happens." Greg Allen For the Trojans to look as good as they do on game day, sporting one of college football's most famous pair of Cardinal & Gold uniforms and helmets, it takes the preparation and attention to detail of people like Greg Allen who has worked in USC's equipment room for 37 years. Approaching retirement, Allen is most thankful for the student-athletes he's had the pleasure of working with in his career. "There's nothing better than watching these young men and young ladies grow up. It's really satisfying to see them give back to their communities." Jeff Schneider Each fall, Jeff Schneider takes the term "passion" to a new level as a dedicated USC fan who travels 2,300 miles almost every other weekend to watch his Trojans take the field in the Coliseum. He didn't go to USC, but the Florida resident understands the Trojan Family as true as anyone after being adopted in by USC alumni at the 2005 Orange Bowl. In the 11 years since, Schneider has bled Cardinal & Gold. "I always get goosebumps when I step foot into the Coliseum," Schneider said. "This place is special." Olivia Peterson Growing up in Newport Beach, Olivia Peterson always knew she wanted to be a USC Song Girl. The outfits, the atmosphere and the stories she heard from neighbors and friends who were Trojans were more than enough to solidify the goal of donning one of the most recognizable spirit uniforms in collegiate athletics. Now as a junior communication major and a first-year Song Girl, Peterson is living her dream. "To me, the USC is a giant family, a big community in which everyone has a unique story but a shared love for the same thing." Chuck Miwa After graduating from USC in 1987, Chuck Miwa and his best friend Michael Adler relied on the strength of the Trojan Family to help grow their business. The duo split a junior Cardinal & Gold Club membership, an expensive but entrepreneurial decision for the new alumni, and with each passing year watched as their investment back into USC enriched both their business and their lives. Now, Miwa serves on the Board of Counselors for the athletic department and alumni association while Adler served as the president of the Board of Governors. "My whole life changed because I went here," said Miwa. "I don't think I'd have the same success or happiness in my life if I hadn't been embraced by the Trojan Family." Command Sergeant Major Michael Crespo A Southern California native and lifelong USC fan, Sargent Major Michael Crespo had long hoped for the opportunity to join the Trojan Family as a student. Returning home from his third overseas tour in 2013, his dream became reality when he enrolled as a member of the first class in USC's Masters of Business for Veterans Program. The Marshall School of Business program was created specifically for military veterans, active duty and reserve personnel to teach business knowledge and help with career growth and transition to civilian life, which is exactly what Crespo, with 35 years of military service, has benefited from since graduating. His wife Joanna, whom he met on tour in Iraq, was honored last football season as the Trojan Hero of the Game, a culminating experience for the couple that stands as a symbol for all the brave men and women who protect our country every day. "The people that I've met, the network here, the Trojan Family has been tremendous. Being able to pick up the phone to call someone and ask for help is amazing. When you identify as a Trojan, other Trojans go out of their way to help." Anissa Claiborne Junior, broadcast journalism major Anissa Claiborne loves that her role as a USC Spirit Leader means directly enhancing the experience of the Trojan Family with every football and basketball game. She takes pride in representing USC and lifting school spirit whether on the sideline of the Coliseum or the baseline of the Galen Center. To this day her favorite memory is beating UCLA in basketball at home last season in front of sold out crowd. "The Trojan Family is a family away from my own. We are a unique and diverse group of people who encourage one another and help each other succeed. There is no other school with a bond like ours." Jon SooHoo For the last 35 years, Jon SooHoo has had one of the best seats in the house at nearly every USC football game. His spot? A front row spot on the sideline as one of the Trojans' team photographers. SooHoo had always yearned to be closer to the action as a child watching football games from the stands, and so, as a USC undergrad he began taking photos for the Daily Trojan. In his career, SooHoo has captured some of the best moments in LA sports history and he has boxes and boxes of film and hard drives full of digital files to show for it. His favorite part of his job? Walking down the Coliseum tunnel with the football team on Saturdays. "It never gets old." Val Sampson The Coliseum stands as a special place for Val Sampson who has had a unique view of some amazing moments in USC football history serving as Coliseum Press Box Supervisor for 39 years. First introduced to the magic of USC as a student from 1960-1964, Sampson has remained closely connected to the Trojan Family her entire life. In 1977, she began assisting her husband Lee with his duties as press box supervisor, but when he passed away, the committed Trojan stepped up to fill his place. Through the years she's watched future Hall of Famers, Super Bowl winners and some of the best college football players of all time from the press box's small perch surrounded by the Trojan Family in the place that feels most like home. John Jackson A two-time Academic All-American and standout wide receiver and baseball player at USC, John Jackson is the model Trojan student-athlete. In his time at Troy, he became the No. 1 receiver in school history with 163 catches (a mark that's since been eclipsed), and he has continued to display his multifaceted repertoire in the professional world long after his athletic playing days came to an end. After careers in the NFL and minor league baseball, Jackson has become a renowned broadcaster in Southern California working as an analyst for Fox Sports' coverage of high school football and USC football's radio broadcast on ESPN 710. Cass Cornelius Cass Cornelius, 91, has attended every USC football game, home and away, for going on 58 years. The legendary fan says, "It just wouldn't be the same watching the games at home." The Ivanhoe, CA native started attending games with her late husband, Dick Cornelius, in 1958. "When the kids come out, there's nothing like it. And when the horse comes out, that's the icing on the cake." Quest Swan Quest Swan is our youngest Scholarship Club member at nine years old! He has been coming to games for three years and his favorite players are Adoree' Jackson and JuJu Smith-Schuster. His dad, Rodney, is also a Scholarship Club member and takes care of Quest's membership as well. |
