College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: USC Trojans

35. USC Trojans
QB Matt Barkley- Junior
RB Dillon Baxter- Sophomore
WR Robert Woods- Sophomore
DE Armond Armstead- Senior
LB Chris Galippo- Senior
S T.J. McDonald- Junior
Southern California is about to enter their worst season in quite awhile in 2011. Their is still talent down in USC led by junior Matt Barkley. Barkley has been decent in his first two seasons and hopes to improve in his third season. He has a great arm and has decent mobility. The backfield has always been a strong point for the Trojans. Sophomore Dillon Bxter keeps getting better after a strong freshman year. He's a power runner, like a later LenDale White. But, he may not even be the starter as Lane Kiffin will likely start senior Marc Tyler. He's suspended for the first few games though, due to comments he made to a TV network. The Trojans have to handle without fullback Stanley Havili and runningback Allen Bradford. The receivers on this team are without Ronald Johnson but still returns sophomore Robert Woods. Brice Butler and Brandon Carswell are both hoping to make big plays from passes from Barkley. The offensive line lost tons of talent without center Kristofer O'Dowd and tackle Tyron Smith. Guards Michael Reardon and Khaled Holmes are the top returning talents. The defense has lost a lot of talent over the years. The defensive line is strong even without tackle Jurrell Casey thanks to end Armond Armstead. He'll soon be an all-star NFL pass-rusher soon. The linebacker core is still pretty good thanks to senior Chris Galippo. Junior Devon Kennard and senior Shane Horton will help Galippo on chasing down backs. The secondary is led by safety T.J. McDonald and Nickell Robey. McDonald has the smarts and skills to become one of the best safeties in the nation. On special teams Robert Woods is a great kick returner.

Heisman Hopeful: Matt Barkley
Pac 12 Rank: 5th