USC Football: What Does the Play of the Fabulous Freshmen Say About the Trojans?

As the 2010 version of the men of Troy continue to struggle to find that elusive "complete game," the focus of many of their fans has turned to the play of a trio of true freshmen who continue to make their mark for the Trojans.

With corner back Nickell Robey and wide receiver Robert Woods starting, and running back extraordinaire Dillion Baxter seeing regular playing time, and, more importantly, making significant contributions for the Trojans, the future, despite shackles of the NCAA sanctions, looks rosy for those die hard fans of the cardinal and gold.

Of course, early playing time at USC is not a recent phenomenon.

When former coach Pete Carroll was at the helm, he often made good on his promises of early playing time for those recruits he lured to the Los Angeles southland.

But with the notable exception of quarterback Matt Barkley last year, rarely were these young players starters, and when they were, their contributions were often lost among older, more well established players.

That is not the case this year.

Robert Woods, quite possibly the fastest player on the Trojans, has been money since he first stepped on the field for USC at Hawaii.

With 11 catches for 143 yards (13 yards per catch), and a marvelous kickoff return for a touchdown last week against Minnesota, Woods has been everything advertised as a five-star recruit coming out of high school.

Displaying soft hands and a spectacular burst, Woods, through three games, has given Trojan fans a brilliant preview of years and games to come.

Meanwhile, there is the diminutive corner back from Florida.

Nickell Robey, all of 5'8" and a soaking wet 170 lbs., has been a rock that the Trojan defensive backfield has leaned on since being named a starter coming out of fall practice.

Though he was lit up by Hawaii in the first game (then again, who wasn't for the Trojans defense?), Robey has made significant strides for a Trojan defense whose improvement closely mirrors the young Robey's.

And it should be noted that Robey's young age isn't all he has had to overcome.

Earlier this year, Robey lost his mother and his education in the lessons of life have dovetailed with those on the gridiron.

In both pursuits he has risen to the challenge.

Finally, we have Dillon Baxter, the electric running back from San Diego who wowed everyone in spring camp and found himself the focus of viral youtube videos for months.

Despite not playing in the first game due to indiscretions that some young players are wont to do, Baxter has shown flashes of that brilliant ability in the two games he has played.

With 63 yards in 17 carries, a 4.6 average per carry, Baxter has yet to scratch the surface of what promises to be a memorable career for the Trojans.

To be certain, these three freshmen have been all that is advertised and more for USC.

But what does this say about the older players who were nudged out for starting and playing time by these precocious youngsters?

Could it be that TJ Bryant (granted, he was hurt for a while), Omari Crittendon, and Brian Baucham just aren't that good, thus necessitating the elevation of the true freshman, Robey, to the starting position?

And what about Brice Butler, Brandon Carswell, and De'von Flournoy?

Despite the obvious talent of Woods, could it be that the aforementioned trio of older Trojan receivers just aren't good enough to see regular playing time?

And then there is Dillon Baxter.

Going into this season, it was well known that the freshman, whose talent was reminiscent of another, more villainous, former Trojan running back from the same area whose name I won't mention, would see the field of play on a regular basis due to his incredible elusiveness.

But what does this say about guys like Curtis McNeal and C.J. Gable (yes, I know that C.J. has some carries in garbage time)?

In other words, is it the fabulous talent of these trio of freshmen the motivation for their playing (and starting) time or is it a dearth of the same for the older players backing them up?

The easy answer is that it is a combination of both.

Yet, for a Trojans team that saw its worst record in years in 2009, and a shaky start, despite their unblemished record in 2010, the question must be answered.

Is the increased visibility of these Trojan youngsters a reflection of a less talented, overall, USC team in 2010 or is this just the product of the residue of design in that they are just that much better, despite their young age, than those who have been in the system longer?

For Trojan fans hoping for a successful season this year, they would rather opt for the latter rather than the former.

And if that is the case, then the Trojans should be alright in 2010.

Time will tell.