Peek into the Future: USC Football in 2010 (Defense And Special Teams)

(Photo by: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Fangupo, a JC transfer, is one of those special players that are good enough to warrant a scholarship offer from the Trojans, who rarely go the JC route. He will be a senior in 2010.

Derek Simmons, a 6’4”, 285 lb redshirt junior tackle should be back in 2010 and provides quality back up at either interior positions.

At defensive end, we start with Everson Griffin, the 265 pound stud whose freakish speed and athleticism has had Trojan fans drooling since he arrived as premier recruit from Arizona two years ago.

Now with the return of defensive line coach Jethro Franklin, Griffin seems to have focused on the job at hand.

He had a brilliant spring and drew raves from Pete Carroll. 2009 should be a break out year for Griffin, and if it is, he may not be back. If he does come back in 2010, he will be a senior.

As mentioned before, Armond Armstead will play a lot at defensive end.

However, the Trojans are grooming a trio of defensive ends for 2010 and they will see playing time in 2009 also.

Malik Jackson is a 6’5”, 245 pound speedster who just needs to add some bulk to become an extremely effective defensive end. With extra time in the weight room, Jackson will be a factor in 2010.

Wes Horton, a 6’5”, 255 pound redshirt freshmen is a beast and will be counted on in 2010.

Nick Perry, the 6’5”, 250 lb, redshirt freshmen from Michigan is supremely talented and will see plenty of action in 2010.

Devon Kennard, the number one ranked high school defensive end in 2009 and James Boyd, a multi talented sack artist, both are scheduled to arrive in the fall and they will both be studs for the Trojans in the future.

Linebackers:

This is a fascinating group. Young and talented, the linebacking corp will be one of the very best nationally in 2010.

Michael Morgan, a speedy 6’4”, 220 lb. redshirt junior, will be the senior member of the linebacking group that returns in 2010. Able to track down anything that gets behind the defensive line, Morgan will shine in 2009.

Chris Galippo, the 6’2”, 255 lb. beast that takes over for Rey Maualuga, is simply a load against the run. Quick and physical, Galippo punishes runners with joyful abandon. Galippo is a redshirt sophomore and will be back in 2010.

Malcolm Smith, younger brother of Steve, is a monster. 6’ 2", 225 lbs, fast and mean, Smith is extraordinarily athletic. A true junior, Malcolm Smith, in my opinion, is the most likely of those in this group who may leave early.

These guys will be the starters going into 2009. If Smith and Morgan return, this group has a chance to be truly special in 2010.

The backups are very good also, but in some cases, very young. Look for Pete Carroll to do some roster manipulation to accommodate depth.

Luthur Brown, a very talented linebacker when healthy, is a senior in 2009.

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