USC Football: 4 Players with the Most to Gain in Spring Practices

Buildup to a 2015 season of high expectations and even higher potential for USC football begins next month with the opening of spring practice. 

The upcoming 15 practice sessions will lay the foundation for the Trojans as a team, and for each player individually. 

Those looking to stake a prominent role in USC's 2015 lineup must deliver with strong showings in spring practice. For the four following Trojans, this is especially true. 

Each can solidify a place front-and-center in what should be a big year for the program. 

QB Max Browne

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Max Browne's road to 2016 begins before USC plays a single down in 2015. 

A 5-star recruit in 2013, Browne began each of his first two spring practice seasons as the proverbial hunter in USC's quarterback rotation—the young talent with an opportunity to shake things up. 

But entering his third spring at USC, Browne is now the veteran incoming youngsters will look to unseat on the depth chart. 

No one is overtaking Cody Kessler for the starting job; Kessler is a preseason 2015 Heisman Trophy favorite. However, the player who wins the No. 2 spot in 2015 is best-positioned to replace Kessler the following season. 

Browne said he's used his time in the program to prepare for his opportunity, but getting that chance means holding off the competition. Incoming 4-star prospect Ricky Town is the most likely to press Browne. 

Town is an early enrollee and thus will participate in spring practices. 

DL Claude Pelon

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Junior college transfer Claude Pelon came along nicely in the final month of USC's 2014 campaign, seemingly acclimating to the speed of the Division I game.

His challenge in the 2015 season is taking the foundation set a season ago and building upon it—and fast. The Trojans need a dominant pass-rushing threat up front with Leonard Williams headed to a likely top-five selection in this spring's NFL draft.  

Pelon can play either end or tackle, combining a 6'4", 295-pound frame with a natural nose for the ball in the backfield.

Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox's reliance on versatility means Pelon could be a major factor in the coming season, but he must continue to make strides as he did late last season. 

DL Delvon Simmons

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With Antwaun Woods injured, Delvon Simmons started at nose tackle in USC's Holiday Bowl win over Nebraska. An impressive spring should help propel him from that into a full-time starting job up front for the Trojans defense. 

Simmons, a transfer from Texas Tech, impressed in flashes last season, finishing with 44 tackles and a sack. Improving upon that output is imperative with Williams gone, as it may require a collective effort from the defensive line to compensate for losing the All-American. 

Simmons, however, did prove he can have a game-changing impact for the Trojans, delivering a critical blocked kick in a win at Arizona. 

That play crystallized Simmons' lofty potential. Starting with this spring, he could produce many more pivotal moments in Pac-12 play. 

WR Isaac Whitney

247Sports.com

Isaac Whitney (Credit: 247Sports)

Of the six early enrollees among USC's stellar 2015 recruiting class, junior college transfer Isaac Whitney may be best positioned to make an immediate impact. 

USC's wide receiving corps lost star Nelson Agholor. Compounding his departure was the surprising early exit of George Farmer, a speedy deep threat who started to come into his own late last season. 

That leaves two big holes, and Whitney has the size to help plug them. At 6'3", 200 pounds, he is one of the bigger bodies USC has at the position. 

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