USC Trojans: 20 Players To Watch

Per USC standards, 2009 was a disappointment.

In head coach Pete Carroll's final season with the team, they finished with a 9-4 record (5-4 in Pac-10 play) and a win over Boston College in the Emerald Bowl. With multiple titles and Pac-10 championships, this was below average for the USC Trojans of this decade.

After Carroll resigned as the head coach, former offensive coordinator and Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin was brought in to man the team. He brings his father Monte Kiffin and defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron with him to Southern California. After a solid recruiting class to go along with returning players, the future seems to look bright.

Here are 20 players that you should look out for in the 2010 season.

(In no particular order)

1. Matt Barkley, QB

After starting as a freshman, Barkley looks to come back with a stellar 2010 season. He finished 2009 with a 59.9 completion percentage. He had 2,735 yards to go with 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Showing flashes last year, Barkley looks to retain his position as starting quarterback and lead USC to a better record in his second year.

2. Chris Galippo, LB

Since Galippo arrived at USC, he had high expectations placed upon him. Unfortunately, he hasn't fully lived up to those. He finished last season with 70 tackles, eight of them being for a loss and 1.5 sacks. He also added two interceptions. It will be interesting to see if the junior can improve and become the physical presence he was expected to be.

3. Jurrell Casey, DT

The versatile junior put on a show last year with solid numbers. As a 2009 starter, Casey finished the season with 59 tackles, nine of them for a loss of yardage and 4.5 sacks. He'll look to continue starting at defensive tackle and make a name for himself going into the 2010 season.

4. Dillon Baxter, TB/WR

Through spring practice and one YouTube video later, Baxter is being considered a threat to score from anywhere on the field. The versatile tailback/wide receiver is explosive and can make an immediate impact for the Trojans as a freshman. If he continues to display his cutback ability and speed, he could be a constant rotation player for the offense.

5. Nick Perry, DE

Perry played sparingly in 2009, but proved to be one of the quickest defensive linemen with his team best eight sacks. He added 24 tackles and nine tackles for a loss in his limited time on the field. As a redshirt sophomore, Perry will battle for a starting spot on the defensive line.

6. Devon Kennard, DE/LB

Making one of the biggest moves this season is Kennard. Starting his career at USC as a backup defensive end, he was pushed into an outside linebacker spot. Now Kennard will battle with Galippo for the middle linebacker spot, but his versatility could land him at any linebacker or defensive end position. He finished 2009 with 34 tackles and two tackles for a loss.

7. Kristofer O'Dowd, C

After injuries slowed him down in 2009, O'Dowd looks to pick back up and anchor the offensive line in 2010. He's arguably the best center in the nation and will look to continue holding that reputation in his senior season. Very experienced and well rounded, O'Dowd is a probable 1st round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

8. Shareece Wright, CB

Set to be the starter at cornerback in 2009, Wright was ruled ineligible due to academic reasons. He regained eligibility for the Emerald Bowl and helped with two tackles and an interception, which led to a USC touchdown. Wright has shown flashes and if he can stay on the field, could be a big contributor.

9. Stanley Havili, FB

Havili is arguably the most complete fullback in the nation. He provides excellent blocking skills as well as the ability to run and catch out of the backfield. His 84 career receptions are the most by a fullback in USC history. On his career, he has 55 carries, 343 yards and two touchdowns to accompany his 84 receptions, 894 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns.

10. Ronald Johnson, WR

Johnson is a speedy threat to go down field. He provides ability in the receiving and kickoff return games. Most likely a starter in 2010, Johnson has 74 receptions on his career for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns. He'll look to provide the same big play threat that he did in 2008 before a down season in 2009.

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Brandon Williams is a Jabberhead and an SJ contributing author.

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