USC Spring Game: Stars to Watch in Saturday's Tuneup

On Saturday, the USC Trojans will suit up, get out on the field, and play a pretend football game that doesn't matter in the slightest in the grand scheme of things.

But it's USC playing football, so it will serve for the time being for the good people of Southern California who love their Trojans.

Merely seeing the Trojans out on the field is probably good enough as far as having a rooting interest in this game is concerned. But if you're looking to key in on a few star players in particular, you're going to be a little let down. Matt Barkley isn't likely to log a whole lot of time out on the field, and Robert Woods isn't going to play at all, according to ESPN.com.

I recommend keeping an eye on the three guys listed below instead.

Marqise Lee, WR

Marqise Lee had a very, very good freshman season for the Trojans in 2011. He pulled down 73 receptions for 1,143 yards and 11 touchdowns, and he had four 100-yard receiving games.

Lee promises to be an even bigger part of the offense in 2012, and he's been turning a lot of heads in spring practices to this point. Lane Kiffin even went so far as to say that Lee "could be the best [receiver] to ever play here," according to the Los Angeles Times.

High praise. Now all Lee has to do is live up to it.

Lee can get off to a good start in Saturday's contest by making life easier for Max Wittek and Cody Kessler, who will be looking to make a good impression as they fight for the right to be Barkley's backup.

Aundrey Walker, LT

The biggest question facing the Trojans this spring was who would step up and emerge as a replacement for Matt Kalil, who will likely be a top-five pick in the NFL draft.

Right now, Aundrey Walker has the inside track at USC's starting left tackle gig.

Pedro Moura of ESPNLosAngeles.com reported on the situation earlier this week, writing that Walker has been told he will stay on the left side for the rest of the spring.

"I love the left better than the right, actually, to be honest," Walker said. "I just feel more comfortable over there." 

Walker, a sophomore, has big shoes to fill. Kalil kept Barkley very safe during his tenure at USC, and Walker will be tasked with doing the same.

Nobody's life will be at stake on Saturday, but it will be interesting to see how Walker performs in a game atmosphere.

T.J. McDonald, FS

The Trojans did not defend the pass very well last season, as they finished 102nd in the nation in overall pass defense.

That's an area that is likely to be a lot better in 2012, as USC's secondary has been getting rave reviews all spring. New secondary coach Marvin Sanders has made a difference.

The guy to watch is senior free safety T.J. McDonald, who is more or less the on-field captain of the secondary. He's been through all the low points as a three-year starter, but this is the year he finally has a chance to be a part of an elite unit. He's not going to let that chance slip through his fingers.

So despite the fact a lot of eyes are going to be on Lee and USC's backup QBs, watching USC's secondary go to work will also be a sight to see. Led by McDonald, don't be surprised if the secondary ends up stealing the show for a change.