USC Trojans Football: 6 Players Who Need to Step It Up This Year

It's not easy to play football at the football factory known as the University of Southern California.

The expectations that accompany the honor of representing the men of Troy on the gridiron are daunting and to fulfill them, it requires commitment, talent and sometimes, a bit of luck.

Just getting an opportunity—when you are surrounded by talented teammates—sometimes comes down to just staying healthy and taking advantage of chances to shine when they become available.

For some Trojans, those opportunities to climb the depth chart must not be wasted if they want to leave a mark on the program before they graduate.

This slideshow will attempt to identify six players who need to make a move right now in order to get some of that precious playing time.

Most of these players have been hindered by injuries, but all of them are running out of time.

Either juniors or seniors, they must find a way to fast-track their way to the field of play or they will find themselves as a footnote to Trojan lore.

So without further delay, let's find out who these talented but sometimes forgotten Trojans are.

Marquis Simmons (Redshirt Junior; Linebacker)

When Marquis Simmons came to the Trojans as a highly decorated linebacker from Dominguez High School in Compton, Calf., the sky was the limit for him.

Then the injury bug bit him. Big time.

After redshirting in 2009, Simmons played in only three games in 2010 and watched that season get cut short after having his appendix removed just prior to suffering through a bout of Mononucleosis.

Unfortunately, 2011 wasn't much kinder to Simmons after he had neck surgery and missed all but two games.

He is healthy now and if he remains that way, he can add to the two career tackles he sports right now.

Kevin Greene (Redshirt Junior; Defensive End)

Unlike Marquis Simmons, Kevin Greene's problem isn't a lack of health but rather a lack of consistency.

Greene, who came to the Trojans from Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep in Oakland, Calf., was a decorated defensive end and linebacker with 28 sacks in only two seasons of high school ball.

After redshirting as a linebacker in 2009, Greene moved to defensive end in 2010 and appeared in seven games while registering two tackles.

Last year, Greene played in 10 games overall, mostly on special teams, and registered one tackle.

With the Trojans' defensive line depleted in 2012, this is the year that Greene needs to make a mark.

Drew McAllister (Senior; Safety)

Drew McAllister is an interesting case because unlike many that will appear on this list, he has had some productivity for the Trojans.

With 54 career tackles and three interceptions, McAllister has provided tantalizing glimpses into what could be if not for injuries.

And there has been plenty of down time due to injuries for him.

After appearing in all 13 games and leading the Trojans with those three interceptions as a true freshman in 2008, McAllister played in nine games in 2009 but lost time due to strained hamstrings and a balky hip that would continue to ail him in future seasons.

2010 saw his season lost after only two games due to a torn cartilage in his hip. That season was used as a redshirt year due to the injury occurring so early in the campaign.

Last year, McAllister found some of his health returned and it resulted in his appearance in 10 games, where he had 22 tackles including one for a loss.

McAllister is a hard-hitting enforcer with a great nose for the ball.

If he can stay healthy, he can be a big contributor to USC this season, but he is running out of time.

Brian Baucham (Redshirt Senior; Cornerback)

Though Brian Baucham didn't come to the Trojans with a ton of notoriety in 2008, his obvious talent had his coaches excited about his prospects for the upcoming years.

After redshirting in 2008, Baucham started 2009 with a bang, contributing for the first five games, including seeing time against Ohio State and Boston College.

Then came a mid-season motorcycle accident, followed by a toe injury and all of a sudden, his season was lost.

The next year, Baucham played in 12 games, often appearing as a nickel back, and things were looking good for 2011.

Unfortunately, last year, Baucham was declared ineligible and now as a redshirt senior in 2012, time is not on his side, so it's now or never for the talented corner from West High School in Torrance, Calf.

Baucham can be a difference-maker and Trojan fans hope he finds his stride this year.

Torin Harris (Redshirt Junior; Cornerback)

After redshirting in 2009, Torin Harris appeared in 10 games in 2010 as a backup and special teams player and seemed set to make his mark in 2011.

Last year, Harris earned the starting corner spot opposite Nickell Robey and did not disappoint, racking up 17 tackles to go along with an interception, two deflections and a forced fumble.

The future appeared bright for the Las Vegas native from Palo Verde High School.

Then Harris hurt his shoulder and the rest of the 2011 season was lost.

Now he is trying to return from that shoulder injury and if his damaged nerves can regenerate in time, Harris will vie for the position that he once seemed destined to start at.

Harris has the size (6'0", 180 lbs) and talent to be a star if his health allows it.

De'Von Flournoy (Redshirt Junior; Wide Receiver)

De'Von Flournoy came to USC after a stellar prep career at Birmingham High School that saw him collect a bevy of honors, including being named a Super Prep All-American.

Blessed with tremendous speed, Flournoy appeared to have a bright future ahead of him and played as a true freshman in 2009, but he did not catch a pass.

Following the 2010 season in which he took a redshirt, Flournoy saw action as a backup in 2011 but once again, did not have a reception.

Now in 2012, Flournoy seems to be on the precipice to fulfill the promise so many saw in him. He has rededicated himself to the game and in spring camp, he has been a star.

Trojan fans would love to see Flournoy play his way into a rotation that includes what many feel is the best receiver unit in the nation.

Conclusion

Although the six players featured in this slideshow represent whom I feel are the players that need to step up the most this year, they are by no means the only ones.

Guys like Abe Markowitz, a senior offensive lineman, and Demetrius Wright, a junior safety, among others, can also be looked at as players who need to "step up" as well.

As is the case with every program, there are players who, for one reason or another, have fallen short of their expectations.

In the case of USC, the players listed here are very talented or they wouldn't be on scholarship with a legendary program like the Trojans.

As these players embark on the 2012 season, fans of the men of Troy will be solidly behind them and rooting them on as they attempt to realize the potential they know they possess.

But time is starting to run out and they should hearken the rallying cry of USC fans for the upcoming season:

"There is no time like the present."