JuJu Smith (9) is a major weapon for USC. (Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)
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USC TROJANS
Pac-12 RANK: 2
2014 RECORD: 9-4 Pac-12 RECORD: 6-3 (T-2nd, South)
STADIUM: L.A. Coliseum (93,607)
LOCATION: Los Angeles, Calif.
COACH: Steve Sarkisian — At USC: 9-4, 1 year; overall: 44-33, 6 years
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Clay Helton
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Justin Wilcox
LAST LEAGUE TITLE: 2008
LAST TIME DIDN’T GO BOWLING: 2011
RETURNING STARTERS: 14; 7 offense, 6 defense, punter
PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Cody Kessler, WR JuJu Smith, C Max Tuerk, LG Toa Lobendahn, NT Antwaun Woods, LB Su’a Cravens, CB-WR Adoree Jackson, CB Kevon Seymour
PRIMARY STRENGTHS: Kessler is a fifth-year senior and expected to be more daring now that he is comfortable running Sarkisian’s offense. He will not lack targets. The offensive line returns every starter, including two true sophomores: Lobendahn and Viane Talamaivao. Cravens makes plays all over the field and could lead USC in sacks and interceptions.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Does USC have a dependable tailback? There is also a lack of depth at tight end. Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick was the only scholarship tight end in spring practice after Bryce Dixon was suspended. Another question mark is safety, where freshmen Ykili Ross and Marvell Tell might start.
OFFENSE
It might be hard to criticize quarterback Cody Kessler — he did throw 39 touchdown passes, with only five interceptions last season — but USC coach Steve Sarkisian wants Kessler to be more aggressive.
That might mean more interceptions, but also more big plays, especially in key games.
Even though USC lost Nelson Agholor, Kessler has an explosive go-to receiver in sophomore JuJu Smith.
Sophomore Steven Mitchell is small but fast and enjoyed strong spring and fall camps. Kessler is going to have two 6-4 junior college transfers (Isaac Whitney, De’Quan Hampton) if he needs a big target.
Tailback U. looks like Tailback Who … at least to start the year. Tre Madden is physical and athletic, but he sat out last season with a fractured toe. Justin Davis could start, but has been inconsistent. The most intriguing back is freshman Ronald Jones, who originally committed to Oklahoma State. Jones has looked good in camp catching passes out of the backfield.
The area that is strongest is the offensive line, where six players started at least part of last season. Max Tuerk will be one of the nation’s top centers. He’s the leader of the USC line. His length (6-6, 285), light feet and ability to play any spot up front — he has starts at tackle, guard and center — make him one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2016 draft. Toa Lobendahn started at guard and tackle, making him the team’s most versatile lineman.
DEFENSE
USC fans were frustrated that coordinator Justin Wilcox did not blitz more, as the team squandered games late against Boston College, Arizona State and Utah. And the Trojans no longer have first-round defensive lineman Leonard Williams to disrupt offenses.
But linebacker Su’a Cravens provided plenty of highlights last season with his ability to rush the quarterback and cover receivers; he could make Wilcox more daring with his play-calling. Cravens is the defense’s top playmaker and will be a true linebacker after also playing safety last season.
Delvon Simmons and Antwaun Woods will try to replace Williams — or at least maintain a high quality of play along the line. The two provide plenty of beef in the middle (they combined for 81 tackles last season). Woods returns following surgery for a torn chest muscle.
A wild-card could be linebacker Lamar Dawson, who started three years, but redshirted in 2014 after tearing knee ligaments. Dawson is expected to play in the opener against Arkansas State, despite suffering what was called “cracked ribs” during camp. Linebacker Anthony Sarao is the top returning tackler (74) and will also be a mainstay on defense.
Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson did not allow a touchdown pass until the Holiday Bowl and should get his wish to play more offense, as freshman Iman Marshall is expected to help out at corner. Senior cornerback Kevon Seymour enjoyed a strong spring, too.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Four-year starting place-kicker Andre Heidari is gone, and Matt Boermeester is the frontrunner to replace him. He and Alex Wood each made 54-yard field goal attempts in USC’s spring game. Punter Kris Albarado returns after he averaged 41.4 yards per attempt last season. Jackson will be fun to watch on kick and punt returns.
OVERVIEW
It’s all coming together for USC in Sarkisian’s second season — star senior quarterback, strong offensive line, defensive playmakers, USC-level athletes, a deeper roster. The Trojans should be pursuing the biggest college football prizes, but the margin of error in the Pac-12 South is slim.
TOP NEWCOMER
DB Iman Marshall: The No. 1-ranked prep cornerback in the country according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, is even more valuable in the pass-happy Pac-12. The secondary needs him now, especially when the Trojans play nickel. Even with Adoree’ Jackson and Kevon Seymour at corner, Marshall is expected to see significant action.
