USC Football: John 'JuJu' Smith Primed to Be Trojans' Next Star Receiver

Many star receivers have called USC home over the years, and after his breakthrough performance in the Trojans’ 56-28 romp over Colorado last Saturday, freshman John “JuJu” Smith looks ready to become the next.

Smith caught four passes for 104 yards, made a highlight-reel play in the first quarter and scored his first career touchdown on a seven-yard strike from quarterback Cody Kessler.

That first touchdown marked a significant milestone for the former 5-star recruit.

“I was hoping to score this week,” a smiling Smith said as he made his way up the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum tunnel.

There's nothing quite like the first time, and for Smith's veteran teammates like running back Javorius "Buck" Allen, seeing the freshman register his first touchdown was great.

"I love that JuJu got his touchdown," Allen said.

Smith has a high standard to meet to write his name alongside the many great wide receivers who wore cardinal and gold before him. It's a list that includes names like Keyshawn Johnson, Mike Williams, Dwayne Jarrett, Marqise Lee and Smith's teammate, Nelson Agholor.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that Smith has a high ceiling and plenty of time to reach it.

He certainly took one big step to that end Saturday, in the process setting a standard by which head coach Steve Sarkisian can measure current Trojans.

"How he played Saturday, I would love our entire team to play every time they take the field," Sarkisian said of Smith during a conference call on Sunday.

Neither the 104 yards nor the touchdown reception Smith had tell the full story of how significant his performance was. After all, he tallied 123 receiving yards in his USC debut against Fresno State, immediately validating the hype he had coming out of Southern California prep powerhouse Long Beach Poly.

Rather, Smith's effort against Colorado was the freshman answering the challenge Sarkisian set for his team during the preceding week.

"Coach told me we need to make explosive plays, and when the ball was thrown to me, I took advantage," Smith said.

Smith took advantage to the tune of 26 yards per reception, and even that element of Smith's play misses a critical part of why he stands out to Sarkisian.

"It's easy to look at four catches for over 100 yards and a touchdown," Sarkisian said. "But what he did blocking perimeter, what he did [on] special teams—I think [linebacker] Quinton [Powell] had one more rep than him on special teams, but playing second-most reps on special teams—it was awesome to see coming from a true freshman."

Player	Season	Receptions	Yards	TD
John "JuJu" Smith (through 7 games)	2014	26	350	1
Nelson Agholor	2012	18	341	2
Marqise Lee	2011	73	1,143	11
Robert Woods	2010	65	792	6
Dwayne Jarrett	2004	55	849	13
Steve Smith	2003	17	319	2
Mike Williams	2002	81	1,265	14
Keyshawn Johnson	1994	66	1,362	9

That Smith is standing out isn't necessarily a surprise. He was one of the most highly sought-after prospects of the 2014 recruiting class, with suitors around the nation.

One was Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, whose No. 19-ranked Utes face Smith and the Trojans Saturday in a marquee Pac-12 showdown.

"Very good athlete. We recruited him back in high school," Whittingham said on Tuesday's Pac-12 coaches conference call. "We knew back then he was a heck of a defensive player."

Smith starred at safety as well as wide receiver in his time at Long Beach Poly. Had Sarkisian and his staff opted to play the freshman in the secondary, he could very well be starring there instead.

Smith's mindset, as Sarkisian described, certainly suggests the youngster would acclimate well no matter where the Trojans used him.

"JuJu brings a great attitude and mentality every day to practice, every day to school, every day as a teammate," Sarkisian said. "He's just been a model person in our program."

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

But playing receiver seems to be suiting Smith just fine. Whittingham may have summed it up best.

"For a freshman, he's doing some really good things and he obviously has a bright future," he said.

Smith's future may be bright, but there's a glow building in his present as well, and the spotlight was on him Saturday as he exited the Coliseum field.

A smattering of Trojans fans greeted him on his way to the locker room with shouts of "JuJu!" in appreciation for his big day.

It won't be the last time the USC faithful sing Smith's praises, and it won't be the last time he leaves the field with a touchdown in tow either.

Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise cited. Statistics courtesy of cfbstats.com. Recruiting rankings and information via 247Sports.