USC Football: What the Trojans Should Be Thankful for in 2014

Just one game remains in USC football's first season under head coach Steve Sarkisian, and this inaugural campaign of a new era has not been without its trials. 

But amid the disappointment of some heartbreaking losses and a rivalry-game defeat, the Trojans have plenty for which to be thankful in this past season.

USC is approaching an important crossroads in the program's path back to the Pac-12's pinnacle. A bevy of young talent already in the fold, combined with a new wave of highly touted additions on deck, has USC positioned for a rebound.   

The End of NCAA Sanctions

The most severe NCAA sanctions levied against any football program since Auburn in the early 1990s officially ended on June 10—and not a moment too soon.

The full burden of three recruiting cycles with just 15 scholarships fell on the 2014 roster. USC spent much of the season hovering below 50 available scholarship players. 

Sarkisian has been adamant that the limited numbers are no excuse for losses—"Our guys are in plenty good shape and condition to play and play at a high level," he said—but USC's had a tendency to wear down in fourth quarters.

Sarkisian and his staff are taking full advantage of the 25-scholarship allotment available to them this year. The Trojans' 2015 signing class is ranked No. 1 among Pac-12 programs and No. 9 nationally. 

USC has verbal commitments from eight 4-star prospects, including defensive tackle Jacob Daniel, defensive back Isaiah Langley and quarterback Ricky Town.  

The Trojans are also in the mix for more top-tier recruits, including a number of 5-star standouts to join current pledge Chuma Edoga. Among USC's remaining targets are cornerback Iman Marshall, defensive lineman Rasheem Green and wide receiver Christian Kirk.

The Many Talents of Su'a Cravens

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When a roster is as depleted as USC's, it helps to have players capable of fulfilling multiple roles. Sophomore Su'a Cravens has done just about everything for the Trojans defense this season, barring prepping equipment on game day—and I have no proof he hasn't done that. 

"He's unbelievably valuable," Sarkisian said. "We've got a pretty special guy on our hands in Su'a."

Cravens spent 2013 at safety but this year transitioned to a hybrid role that has him playing "Sam" linebacker and nickelback.

USC loses nothing depending on the spot Cravens is playing, and his statistics reflect that. He has 56 tackles, a team-high 15 tackles for loss, five sacks and a pair of interceptions. 

"One week, he can play the run," Sarkisian said. "Second week, he can be a blitzer coming off the edge. The next week, he's in a nickel role covering slot receivers."

Sarkisian added that recruiting players with similar skill sets is "imperative" in the current landscape of the Pac-12. 

"Every week, you get a new challenge, a different scheme, and you want players that can play and do multiple things," he said. "Su'a is a primary example of that."

John "JuJu" Smith and Adoree' Jackson 

The two most highly rated prospects in USC's Pac-12-leading 2014 recruiting class did not disappoint in their debut campaigns. 

John "JuJu" Smith emerged as the Trojans' second receiving option behind star Nelson Agholor and appears ready to take over as the No. 1 target when Agholor leaves for the NFL. 

He's been steady throughout the season, catching four or more passes in nine games, and is showing off more of a big-play ability in the latter half of the season, scoring all five of his touchdowns after the midway point. 

Smith has all the makings of the next great USC receiver.

Fellow freshman Adoree' Jackson has made an immediate impact, playing in all three phases at various times this season.

The bulk of Jackson's responsibility has been on defense, where he stood out as the team's lockdown cornerback for much of the season.  He has a keen nose for the ball and plays a physical style exceeding his 185-pound frame. 

Jackson is also one of the nation's most electrifying kick returners. At 27.7 yards per attempt, he leads the Pac-12. 

Indeed, there's plenty that USC can be thankful for heading into the season finale Saturday against Notre Dame. And this is just the first course—the Trojans could be ready to feast in 2015. 

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