USC Football 2011: The Two Deep at Every Position
One thing that is certain for the 2011 version of the men of Troy is that almost nothing is for certain.
While some positions, such as quarterback with Matt Barkley, are set in stone, many others are in a state of flux awaiting clarification from returning injured players and, in some cases, incoming freshmen arriving in the fall.
Unfortunately for head coach Lane Kiffin, answers that were not provided in the spring will have to await resolution in the fall.
So, with much trepidation, let's take a look at the two-deep roster starting with the offense...
Quarterback
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Starter: Matt Barkley
Backup: Jesse Scroggins
As stated in the introduction, quarterback Matt Barkley is a sure thing for the Trojans in 2011 barring, God forbid, injury.
Barkley has improved every year since starting as a true freshman in 2009, and big things are expected from him in 2011.
With a bevy of extremely talented receivers awaiting his pinpoint passes, Barkley's only concern is a fragmented offensive line to protect him.
Meanwhile, despite some pressure from talented freshmen quarterbacks Cody Kessler and Max Wittek, redshirt freshman Jesse Scroggins has done enough to back up Barkley.
Running Back
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Starter: Marc Tyler
Backup: Dillon Baxter or DJ Morgan
With Tyler finishing the 2010 season at just under 1,000 yards, combined with Kiffin's desire to have a big back run the rock, it is fairly easy to see that the only thing that will keep Tyler from starting is injury or a proclivity for fumbling.
If Tyler is healthy, he should have a good year, if the suspect offensive line can open holes for him of course.
As for Baxter, Trojans fans are still waiting for the human highlight film to realize his enormous potential.
Meanwhile, DJ Morgan, one of the fastest Trojans, also has been one of the biggest surprises of the spring and will see a lot of playing time in the fall.
Fullback
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Starter: Soma Vainuku
Backup: JR Tavai
With Stanley Havili's graduation, who had been a fixture for the Trojans at the fullback position for years, the Trojans have been searching far and wide for his replacement.
Consider him found.
Soma Vainuku combines soft hands, good speed and size (255 pounds) to form a ferocious package that will both protect Barkley and clear lanes for whoever is running the ball.
And he will also provide a good short-yardage option along with his pass-catching abilities coming out of the backfield.
JR Tavai, who may also play defensive end, will be here in the fall and will fight it out with a couple of others to back up Vainuku.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Tight End
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Starter: Rhett Ellison
Backup: Xavier Grimble
There was a reason why former Trojans tight end Blake Ayles transferred to Miami, and his name is Rhett Ellison.
Ellison is a better tight end in all facets than Ayles, and for this reason, he will be the Trojans starter at the position in 2011.
Though not a dominant tight end, Ellison can be counted on to make the tough catch when needed and Matt Barkley is comfortable with him when the chips are down.
Xavier Grimble will have to fight off fellow 2009 tight end signees Christian Thomas (who may be tried at defensive end) and Randall Telfer (who needs to add weight). But after dropping 25 pounds in the offseason, he appears to be ready to capture some of the hype he garnered as the No. 1-rated prep player in the nation at his position.
Flanker
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Starter: Robert Woods
Backup: Brandon Carswell
As a true freshman, Robert Woods was simply electric.
In fact, Woods wowed enough people to be named freshman all American, and when all is said and done, he may wind up being the best receiver in the country in 2011.
He is that good.
That is unfortunate for Brandon Carswell, who is an excellent receiver in his own right.
Carswell, who was talked out of transferring by Lane Kiffin, will see plenty of playing time in 2011 after having a great spring for the Trojans.
Split End
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Starter: George Farmer Jr.
Backup: Kyle Prater
The placement of Farmer as starter is predicated on the fact that Kyle Prater, despite his marvelous potential, has had problems staying healthy.
If Prater can find his way on to the field with regularity, he has the talent to be a real force for the Trojans.
Prater is big (6'5", 220 lbs) and has great hands. All he needs is his health.
As for Farmer, all you need to know is that, according to Robert Woods, his former teammate at Serra High School, Farmer is bigger, faster and stronger than Woods.
Farmer will be heard from sooner rather than later.
You can bet on that.
Left Tackle
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Starter: Matt Kalil
Backup: Martin Coleman
Matt Kalil is the Trojans' best offensive lineman in 2011, and he will be counted on to protect Matt Barkley's blind side this season.
In fact, "counted on" may be too soft a term. His protection may control the Trojans' offensive destiny for the upcoming year.
Fortunately, Kalil, brother of former Trojans great Ryan, has the tools to get the job done.
However, he must stay healthy as well because if he goes down, it is a crapshoot who will take his place.
Coleman stands a chance to back him up, but frankly, he has been a disappointment since arriving at USC.
David Garness, a JC transfer, or perhaps one of the heralded incoming freshmen, Aundrey Walker or Marcus Martin, might fit the bill if anything happens to Kalil.
But that is one question the Trojans don't want to find an answer for in 2011.
Right Guard
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Starter: Cyrus Hobbi
Backup: Giovani Di Poalo
Talk abut your positions in flux. The Trojans will likely be counting on a true freshman to start the year at this critical position.
Having said that, Cyrus Hobbi is a good one.
Rated in the top five at his position last year as a prep, Hobbi is big and a quick learner.
A very good run blocker, Hobbi will have to hone his skills in pass protection which won't make Barkley too happy, at least at first.
To back Hobbi up will either be a converted center (Di Poalo) or another true freshman, Marcus Martin.
Center
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Starter: Khaled Holmes
Backup: Abe Markowitz
With the graduation of Kris O'Dowd, the Trojans have a void to fill at the center position, and though Khaled Holmes has only played guard for USC, because of his physical talent and cerebral nature, he has been tabbed for the position.
One problem Holmes will face is that, because of injury, he was unable to participate in spring practice, which means valuable time learning the position has been lost.
Nonetheless, the coaching staff is confident that, once healthy, Holmes will do a fine job at the position.
For Holmes' backup, the Trojans will turn to Abe Markowitz who has shown tremendous growth during his time with USC, or possibly Giovanni Di Poalo, who played center in high school, or Cody Temple, who is being groomed as the Trojans center of the future.
Right Guard
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Starter: John Martinez
Backup: Jeremy Galten
The battle to start at right guard could go either way between Martinez and Galten.
Martinez came to the Trojans as a heralded prep center but has failed to realize his potential so far.
Meanwhile, Galten is a JC transfer whom little was expected from beyond providing depth to the offensive line.
However, Galten has impressed the Trojans staff and with a strong fall camp, he may find himself indeed as the starter.
Right Tackle
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Starter: Kevin Graf
Backup: Aundrey Walker
Kevin Graf has excellent USC bloodlines, and it is hoped that he will carry on the legacy of the Graf's as great football players with the Trojans.
Graf has impressed the coaching staff, and although he has been hurt, they are confident that he can step in and do a fine job with a strong fall camp under his belt.
The Trojans will need a strong effort from Graf as they continue to rebuild the offensive line.
Aundrey Walker is a massive (6'6", 375 lbs) 4-star incoming freshman who will probably see a lot of playing time if he catches on to the playbook quickly.
Strongside Defensive End
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Starter: Wes Horton
Backup: Armond Armstead
This is also a position that will depend on the health of the participants.
If Armond Armstead has recovered from his health (heart) scare, he has the talent to make a big difference at the position.
Armstead can also slide inside to cover a tackle position but, again, it all depends on his health.
In the meantime, Wes Horton has the capability to make plays, but he too needs to stay healthy which is no given.
Nose Tackle
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Starter: Christian Tupuo
Backup: Antwaun Woods
Like many positions in this year's version of Troy, much will depend on the health of a returning injured player, in this case Christian Tupuo.
If Tupuo, who is coming back from a leg injury, is healthy, he has the experience and talent to be a big-time player for the Trojans. If not, it will be a crapshoot.
Antwaun Woods is an incoming freshman who can be a force for the Trojans, but much will depend on how quickly he can pick up on the playbook.
Defensive Tackle
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Starter: DaJohn Harris
Backup: George Uko
DaJohn Harris had some nice moments in 2010 which the Trojans coaching staff hopes will translate into continued success in 2011.
Harris is big and mobile and these attributes help him both against the run and provide for good penetration as a pass rusher.
If Harris stumbles, George Uko has the size and talent to step in and be a force.
Uko may also be seen at the nose tackle position as well if needed.
Weakside Defensive End
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Starter: Nick Perry
Backup: Kevin Greene
Lane Kiffin thinks that there may only be 15 or so players in the world with Nick Perry's combination of size and speed at the defensive end position.
The Trojans hope that Perry can stay healthy long enough to fulfill the tremendous promise that Kiffin sees in his future.
If Perry can stay healthy, he can lead the Pac-12 in sacks and be a disruptive force against the run.
Kevin Greene is one of a few who can provide a capable backup should Perry experience any future health concerns.
Strongside Linebacker
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Starter: Hayes Pullard
Backup: Lamar Dawson
The linebacker corps was a serious disappointment for the Trojans in 2010, and more will be expected of the unit in the upcoming season.
Hayes Pullard had a nice spring camp and may have positioned himself for a shot as the starter, but he will have to continue his efforts in the fall to secure the spot.
If Pullard falters, look for Lamar Dawson, a highly-regarded incoming freshman from Kentucky, to push Pullard or any other Trojan for the starter spot.
Middle Linebacker
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Starter: Devon Kennard
Backup: Marquis Simmons
When Devon Kennard was moved from defensive end to linebacker, the Trojans were looking for him to be dominant force in the middle.
So far, they are still waiting.
If Kennard can fulfill the promise that the USC coaching staff has for him, it will go a long way toward the Trojans defense having a good season.
If not, well, you know...
Who will back up Kennard is anyone's guess, but Marquis Simmons had a nice spring and will be given a long look at all linebacker positions.
Weakside Linebacker
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Starter: Chris Galippo
Backup: Shane Horton
Pity poor Chris Galippo. Though he himself would never ask for that pity, the road Galippo has traveled has been a long and winding one while at USC.
After multiple back surgeries and position changes, Galippo will start at weakside linebacker where he played sparingly last year.
Although Galippo played well in his limited time there last year, it remains to be seen if he can stay healthy and if he is mobile enough for the position.
If Galippo runs into any problems, Shane Horton is a proven and capable backup.
Strong Safety
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Starter: Demetrius Wright
Backup: Jawanza Starling
When spring camp opened, this was a position in need of a starter, and it may still be.
Jawanza Starling started nine games last year, but he was inconsistent.
Now, Lane Kiffin thinks he may have found his starter in Demetrius Wright who had a big spring camp.
If not, there are plenty of capable backups to choose from including Starling, who has talent but needs to be more reliable play in and play out.
Free Safety
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Starter: TJ McDonald
Backup: Isiah Wiley
Along with cornerback Nickell Robey, TJ McDonald is as close to a sure thing as the Trojans have on defense.
McDonald, who is a big-time hitter, mans the position with ferocity and covers his area as capably as anyone in the conference.
Will McDonald follow in the long line of outstanding Trojans safeties? Who knows, but he has all the tools to do so.
Isiah Wiley is a nice JC transfer who big things are expected from in the fall.
Cornerback
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Starter: Nickell Robey
Backup: Anthony Brown
Nickell Robey, despite his diminutive size, proved last year to be one of the Trojans most dependable defensive players.
This year, Robey will be counted on to provide the same kind of coverage that made him so difficult to throw against last year.
With a year in the system under his belt, Robey should be even better this year, and that means most of the opposing quarterbacks will look elsewhere when attacking the Trojans secondary.
Anthony Brown is just one of a number of capable backups in what is probably the Trojans' deepest defensive unit.
Cornerback
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Starter: Tony Burnett
Backup: Patrick Hall
Tony Burnett burst on the scene as an unheralded walk-on last year, but with the moment he stepped on the field as a safety, it began a meteoric rise which now finds him as the starter opposite Robey at cornerback.
Burnett's tenacity and never-say-die attitude has endeared him to the Trojans coaching staff, and his overall talent makes one wonder why he wasn't gobbled up as a scholarship football player long ago.
Patrick Hall came to the Trojans as a 5-star recruit, but injuries and attitude problems have beset him for the last couple of years.
With those issues behind him, Hall may wind up as one of the biggest surprises of 2011.
Punter
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Starter: Kris Albarado
Backup: Andre Heidari
As was the case with almost all aspects of the 2010 Trojan kicking game, the results were disappointing.
However, it appears that those days will soon be a thing of the past as the Trojans signed the #2 prep punter in 2010, Kris Albarado.
Albarado won the "Kohl's underclass challenge" for kickers and routinely hangs booming 5.0 second punts, which will make special teams coach, John Baxter very happy.
Albarado will enroll in the fall and to make sure he will be kept on his toes (pun intended), Andre Heidari, the Trojans new place kicker, boomed majestic punts of his own during spring practice.
Place Kickers
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Starter: Andre Heidari
Backup: Craig McMahon
Any good Trojan fan can tell you that last year, field goal kicking was nothing short of an adventure, usually with very suspect results.
Joe Houston, try as he might, just could not be counted on and it cost the Trojans dearly in 2010.
Fortunately, 2011 will be a different story.
The Trojans welcome Andre Heidari to the fold and along with him comes a leg that delivered accurate 50+ yard field goals and unreturnable kickoffs in the spring.
Lane Kiffin's play calling was dramatically affected by the Trojans lack of field goal prowess and with Heidari, that should be no problem in the future.
And Trojan fans will be able to breath a sigh of relief in 2011 when USC lines up for a field goal instead of hiding under the covers while the inevitable miss from 2010 occurred.
Conclusion
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A challenging spring camp has revealed some answers for head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff.
Although there are many questions that still remain, Kiffin and company at least know what they have in some areas going into the fall.
Especially on defense, the Trojans coaching staff has found some nice players in the form of Tony Burnett, Anthony Brown, Patrick Hall and Marquis Simmons, just to name a few.
When the Trojans welcome their incoming class of freshmen and their injured players from spring, more questions will be answered.
Now Trojans fans will wait and see if these questions answered will translate into wins for the upcoming season.
If so, the Trojans can return to the lofty heights they occupied not so long ago.
And that is a place that all associated with the cardinal and gold would like to get back to.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
