USC Football: Top 5 Impact Freshmen for 2011
As USC moves on from the drama surrounding the program relating to the NCAA's denial of their appeal in the Reggie Bush scandal, the next order of business is crafting the team that will take the field in 2011.
For head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff, the next few months will be comprised of evaluating the returning Trojans and formulating a depth chart that gives their team the best chance of success.
And as always, a large part of that evaluation will be determining who among the incoming freshmen has the polish to play in the upcoming season.
With a huge class coming in and depth needed at many positions, the status of these youngsters will play a huge role in the fortunes of the men of Troy.
So who are these "impact freshmen" anyway?
Let's find out.
No. 5: Aundrey Walker
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The No. 1 concern for the Trojans coming into the 2011 season is the offensive line.
With three starters from the 2010 season gone and Khaled Holmes moving from guard to center, the O-line is in a period of flux to be certain.
And because of this, the incoming freshmen along the offensive trenches have a good chance of seeing the playing field early.
Among those youngsters who stand the best chance of playing early is big Aundrey Walker.
Walker, Scout.com's No. 9 rated offensive guard in 2010, certainly has the size to play the position.
At 6'6", 355 pounds, Walker can dominate.
Though still somewhat raw, Walker is a quick learner and will benefit from the coaching once fall camp starts.
Look for Walker to avoid a redshirt year and contribute early for the Trojans.
No. 4: George Farmer Jr.
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In any other year, wide receiver George Farmer Jr. would probably be No. 1 on this list.
However, with a deep cadre of wide receivers already in the fold and a need for depth elsewhere, Farmer, despite his obvious talent, might not have the opportunity to shine like he would in most other years.
That is not to say he won't have a big year because when all is said and done, he may be the most talented incoming freshman of them all.
Bigger and faster than last years wide receiving sensation Robert Woods, Farmer has the ability to become dominant at the next level.
Whether he will in 2011 depends on his ability to digest the playbook and overcome the experience of a multitude of returning talented receivers.
No. 3: Cyrus Hobbi
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For many of the same reasons that Aundrey Walker could be an impact freshman for the Trojans, so could be Cyrus Hobbi.
Also an offensive guard, Hobbi has already been targets of rumors that he may just wind up as a starter for the Trojans the moment fall camp arrives.
Hobbi, who hails from Scottsdale AZ, was ranked the number six guard by Scout.com who also rates him a 4-star prospect.
Though a bit smaller (6'3", 285 lbs.), Hobbi is much more nimble and polished than Walker and his mobility makes him very attractive on a line that coach Jim Cregg would like to see more athletic.
Could the Trojans possibly start two freshmen on the O-line in 2011?
Probably not but if you had to pick between Hobbi and Walker, the smart money is probably on Hobbi.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
No. 2: Lamar Dawson
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It was widely assumed that linebacker Lamar Dawson would make a lot of noise in a depleted unit when he arrived on campus in the fall.
That opinion was only strengthened when Devon Kennard was switched back to defensive end recently.
Though Dawson played mostly middle linebacker in high school, he possesses the athletic ability to play either inside or outside now that Chris Galippo will most likely move back to the middle.
Dawson, also a 4-star recruit (as rated by Scout.com) also has the size (6'2", 230 lbs.) to be a force almost immediately but his instincts are what coaches really love about him.
Whether he starts right away or not, look for Dawson to play a lot in 2011.
No. 1: Andre Heidari
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Sorry to disappoint you Trojan fans but the freshman who will have the most impact for the Trojans in 2011 is a kicker.
The good news though is that Andre Heidari is not just any kicker but a damn good one.
And Lord knows the Trojans could use a solid kicker after the debacle the kicking game experienced in 2010.
Heidari has a very strong leg (50-yard field goals and non-returnable kickoffs) to go along with tremendous accuracy.
Last year the Trojan offense was limited by the fact that Joe Houston was unreliable.
This year that should change with the addition of Heidari.
And that should bring a smile to Lane Kiffin's face.
Conclusion
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Of course there could be many other Trojan freshmen who could have a big impact in 2011.
Such is the case when a quality recruiting haul (top five rated by most recruiting services) blesses a program with many fine athletes.
As a matter of fact, if this slide show were to be extended to the "the top six" incoming freshmen, punter Kris Albarado would make that list as well.
Other top athletes such as linebackers Tre Madden and Anthony Sarao, running backs Amir Carlisle and Buck Allen, defensive linemen Christian Heywood, Antwaun Woods and Greg Townsend are just a few of many who could make a difference as well for the Trojans.
And if they do, no one will be surprised.
But all fans of the men of Troy would definitely be pleased.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
