The Trojans had a topsy-turvy 2013. Then-coach Lane Kiffin started the season on the hot seat, and did nothing early to show he could lead the program back to prominence. Inconsistency all over the field, but especially at quarterback, led to Kiffin's demise, being fired shortly after a blowout loss to Arizona State.
The program seemed rejuvenated after interim coach Ed Orgeron took over, as the Trojans went on to win all but two of their final nine games, including a convincing 45-20 bowl victory over Fresno State. However, the school did not see Orgeron as the long term answer, opting instead for former offensive coordinator and University of Washington head coach, Steve Sarkisian.
Things are trending upward in Los Angeles though. Quarterback Cody Kessler is looking to build on a strong finish from 2013, and has a solid grip on the starting quarterback gig, and USC had a great National Signing Day, adding numerous top-ranked recruits to an already strong class. They lost a few key players, but many of the same top players return.
Top Newcomers
Adoree’ Jackson, Cornerback-- Jackson was a top-10 recruit, and part of USC’s incredible National Signing Day haul. A former track star in high school, Jackson has the potential to contribute on both sides of the ball, but his long-term position will be at cornerback.
Damien Mama, Guard-- Mama has incredible strength to stonewall defenders. Another piece of USC’s National Signing Day haul, Mama will be a key member of USC’s offensive line down the road.
Top Returning Players
Leonard Williams, Defensive Line-- Williams returns as one of the top players in college football. Williams racked up 12.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in 2013. Williams is a penetrator in the running game, demolishing offensive linemen on the way to the ball carrier, and creates a lot of pressure in the passing game. He is essential to the Trojans' success.
Hayes Pullard, Linebacker-- Pullard is returning for his fourth consecutive season as a starter in the Trojan defense. He is smart, instinctive, and can do it all, showing ability to burst through gaps and drop into pass coverage.
Positional Breakdown
Quarterback: After an up-and-down early portion of 2013, Kessler finished strong, and will be building that momentum as he heads into 2014. Backup Max Wittek transferred, so Max Browne will assume the role.
Running Back: USC is stacked at running back, with Javorius Allen and Tre Madden leading the charge, with Justin Davis and Ty Isaac giving the unit incredible depth.
Wide Receiver: Though Marqise Lee has moved on, Nelson Agholor returns to lead USC’s receivers. Darreus Rogers and former five-star recruit George Farmer will compete for the second spot.
Tight End: Randall Telfer returns to become the full-time starter and give Kessler a nice safety net. Telfer has the ability to play in-line, as well as in the slot.
Offensive Line: Though they lost Marcus Martin, the Trojans return three starters along the line. Both members of the left side, Chad Wheeler and Aundrey Walker, return, and Max Tuerk will slide inside.
Defensive Line: Williams returns to man the defensive front, as well as defensive end J.R. Tavai. Texas Tech-transfer Delvon Simmons will take over the other end position, and 310-pound Antwaun Woods will man the nose tackle role.
Linebacker: The Trojans return all three starters in the linebacking core. Pullard is the captain of the defense, and will man the unit with Jabari Ruffin and Lamar Duffin.
Cornerback: Josh Shaw and Kevon Seymour both return to build on USC’s 32nd ranked pass defense. True freshmen Adoree’ Jackson and John “Juju” Smith will also see some opportunities in sub-packages.
Safety: Hard hitter Su’a Cravens returns. USC lost Dion Bailey to the NFL, so Leon McQuay will take over at the free safety spot.
Special Teams: Both kicker, Andre Heidari, and punter, Kris Albarado, will resume their roles on special teams.
Biggest Strength
USC finished 2013 with the 13th ranked defense, and will certainly build on that in 2014, as they return eight starters.With stars like Pullard, Shaw and Williams, and developing talents like Cravens, they are built to be elite. The unit will have a couple growing pains, as they will be running a new defensive scheme, but they return talent all over the field.
Biggest Weakness
USC has skill players who are very talented, but inexperienced. Agholor is the only receiver with significant playing time. Rogers is only a sophomore who caught 22 passes, while Farmer is recovering from an ACL injury. Telfer takes over for Xavier Grimble, who also left for the NFL.