USC Trojans Football 2011: 7 Freshmen to Watch This Season

For three years running, the USC Trojans recruiting class has ranked in the top 10.

Some recruits even graduated high school early to enroll at USC just to start with spring practice.

This year's bumper crop of freshmen have already made their presence felt on the field.

Click through to see who has used their skills to have an instant impact on Trojans football.

Max Wittek and Cody Kessler, QBs

Clearly, Matt Barkley is this year's starter at quarterback.

But—banish the thought—if No. 7 goes down with an injury, either one of these talented freshmen can step in and fill Barkley's shoes.

Both had good fall camps and scrimmages, performing at consistently high levels.

George Farmer, WR

As the second of three wide receivers to come out of Inglewood's Serra High in the past two years, Farmer adds his talents to those of fellow Serra grads Robert Woods (a 2010 Freshman All-American) and Marqise Lee.

While Farmer has started the year a little shaky, his work ethic, great hands and route running should help him see more action soon.

Andre Heidari, K

A kicker's world can be an odd one. They can almost be forgotten—until your team needs a game-winning field goal.

True-freshman placekicker Andre Heidari has already had an impact on USC football: his 47-yard field goal was the margin of victory against Utah (until a wild last play of that game), and his kickoff average is nearly 70 yards for the season.

Xavier Grimble, TE

Las Vegas' Bishop Gorman High misses Xavier Grimble. That's where he played last year.

Freshman Grimble is off to a firecracker start: on one recent USC drive alone, he caught three passes for 57 yards and a touchdown.

The tight end's blocking skills, ability to outfox linebackers and sure hands keep him out on the field for USC.

D.J. Morgan, RB

College and NFL running backs alike aim for consistent positive gains. One main goal for running backs is to approach 5 yards per carry. And that's just the number D.J. Morgan is near as a freshman rushing for USC.

His quickness to the hole and lightning-fast direction changes mean good things for Trojans fans this season.

Hayes Pullard, LB

It's not all about the offense, however.

Both sides of the USC football team have freshmen they can brag about.

And redshirt freshman Hayes Pullard is already a force on defense. The talented young linebacker from Inglewood's Crenshaw High already has 16 tackles in two games.

Don't expect him to slow down any time soon.

Marqise Lee, WR

The true freshman and third of three wide receivers from Serra High in Inglewood, California, Lee already has seven catches for 70 yards.

His crisp route-running and skill in traffic have made him one of Matt Barkley's favorite early season targets. Keeping Lee in the game ensures plenty to cheer about for Trojans football fans.