USC Football: 4 Freshmen Who Will Start in 2012

As is sometimes the case when I am assigned these slideshow topics, a bit of tweaking is required.

In this case, I am also including redshirt freshmen, as otherwise this would be a very, very short presentation.

Why do I need to include redshirts?

Simple. The 2012 version of the men of Troy is stacked at most positions.

Because of this, finding playing time—much less starting—may be difficult for true freshmen who, for the most part, should spend their first year maturing physically and acclimating themselves to the rigors of college life.

Even including the players who already have that ineligible year under their belts, the likelihood of starting realistically comes down to perhaps four positions.

And a couple of those come with caveats.

Now let's find out who these precocious youngsters are.

No. 4: Nelson Agholor (True Freshman, Athlete)

The first of those "caveats" I mentioned in the introduction slide begins with young Nelson Agholor, the 4-star Scout.com athlete whose talent and versatility may allow him to see starting time at two positions.

Agholor, who could play receiver, running back and kick returner, may find himself starting on those rare occasions when Lane Kiffin rolls out three- or four-wide receiver sets to begin a game.

With Matt Barkley at quarterback, the need to put as many weapons on the field for him will result in some exotic sets, and it is here where Agholor may find a start or two.

Perhaps just as likely is his returning punts or kickoffs, as this is one electric young man with the ball in his hands.

Also, this is the only true freshman I see starting in 2012 (unless there are injuries).

No. 3: Kris Albarado (RS Freshman, Punter)

Although Kyle Negrete did a very good job last year for the Trojans, he may have to share punting responsibilities with redshirt freshman Kris Albarado in 2012.

Listed on the spring depth chart as Kyle Negrete OR Kris Albarado, the rumor is that Negrete may be the "precision" punter, while Albarado would be used for long-distance duties.

So, in essence, depending on the strategic requirements, Albarado may find himself the first punter on the field for some games.

That counts as starting, doesn't it?

No. 2: Soma Vainuku (RS Freshman, Fullback)

Last year, Soma Vainuku appeared to be on a fast track to start after former Trojan fullback Stanley Havili's graduation, but like many true freshmen, Vainuku simply wasn't ready.

That doesn't appear to be the case this year, after Vainuku had a very strong spring camp and is now listed firmly as the starter on the depth chart.

With size, speed and some of the softest hands around, look for Vainuku to bring the same stability to the Trojan backfield that Havili did for so many years.

No. 1: Peter McBride (RS Freshman, Long Snapper)

The No. 1 most likely freshman to see starting time in 2012 wins this spot by default simply because there is no other long-snapping specialist on the roster.

With the incredibly reliable Chris Pousson gone to graduation, Peter McBride will attempt to step into a player's shoes that never had a botched snap in his USC career.

Only time will tell if McBride can deliver the consistency that his predecessor did, but it is very safe to say that he will get every opportunity to do so.

Conclusion

Theoretically, true freshmen Leonard Williams (defensive line), Scott Starr (linebacker) and Zach Banner (offensive line) all have possibilities of starting in 2012.

However, it would take a catastrophic injury or a phenomenal fall performance for that to happen.

While the former is always an unwelcome possibility, the latter is very unlikely.

Instead, look for the aforementioned to stay on the active roster, but with the exception of Starr, they will only be used if necessary so they don't burn a redshirt for 2012.

The fact that the Trojans will not introduce too many freshmen to the starting lineup is a reflection of their experience.

That the ones who will start this year are almost all specialty players tells of a very deep and talented team.

And that should be very comforting to those who follow the cardinal and gold.