USC Football: 7 Players the Trojans Will Miss Most

As the Trojans begin to focus on what should be a very satisfying 2012 season, the contributions of those who helped pave the way in 2011 should not be overlooked.

Although USC will not lose a ton of seniors this year, those who will depart saw some of the darkest days of the program, and if for no other reason, these Trojans are owed a deep debt of gratitude by all who follow the cardinal and gold.

This list will look at some of the most valuable of these players and will attempt to rate them in terms of importance on the field of play for the men of Troy.

What it won't do is attempt to measure the integrity and conviction these players exhibited by staying with the Trojans during the bleakest of times when it seemed that the only news regarding USC was of the dismal variety.

Please note that as of this writing, Matt Barkley and T.J. McDonald have yet to announce their intentions regarding any return to the Trojans.

Nonetheless, all those players featured here and many more who also will be leaving the program will be missed, and to be certain, all Trojans fans wish them nothing but success as they move forward in the next phase of their lives.

No. 7: Rhett Ellison

If only we knew that Rhett Ellison was a jack of all trades sooner.

A tight end by trade, Ellison found himself at fullback for much of the 2011 season, and he excelled in a position he hadn't really planned on playing.

But like everything else he did, Ellison found a passion playing the position simply because it allowed him to see the field of play.

The son of former Trojans linebacker Riki Gray, the USC bloodlines run deep for the Ellisons, and both father and son were very proud of that heritage.

Oh, and when Rhett was opening holes for his tailbacks, he was still catching passes both from the backfield and at his tight end position.

Regardless of where he played, Ellison will certainly be missed.

No. 6: Chris Galippo

When Chris Galippo came to the Trojans as a 5-star linebacker out of Servite High School, he was labeled a "can't-miss" prospect.

However, two back surgeries complicated matters for Galippo, and though he contributed throughout his Trojan career, he never quite attained the lofty status that seemed his destiny.

Still, Galippo never gave up and had his moments to be certain, such as his interception at Ohio State early in the 2009 season.

Regardless of the obstacles placed before him, Galippo was always a hard-nosed player and a Trojan through and through.

Even when he was replaced as starter toward the end of this season by true freshman Lamar Dawson, Galippo didn't complain, though he was obviously disappointed.

Despite the accolades offered to the new corps of Trojans linebackers, fans of the program will miss Galippo's never-say-die attitude and will to win.

Thanks, Chris.

No. 5: Marc Tyler

It's been a bumpy road for Marc Tyler at USC, to say the least.

After breaking his leg in his senior year of high school and taking the better part of two years to get right, Tyler appeared ready for stardom.

However, several ill-advised episodes prior to the start of this season almost landed him off the team.

To his credit, Tyler came back and was a significant contributor to the Trojans' success this year, and let's face it—the one thing that USC will be lacking next year is that big back, a role that Tyler filled well.

Despite the missteps, Tyler will be missed, and not just for his ability to get the tough yards—although USC will sure miss those, too.

No. 4: DaJohn Harris

One of the few units that USC will have to replenish in the offseason is the defensive line.

That is because tackle DaJohn Harris and nose guard Christian Tupou will both have to be replaced for next year along with end Nick Perry.

Harris languished on the bench his first couple of seasons behind some good players like Jurrel Casey but really came on in his last two seasons.

By the end of his career, Harris had turned himself into a force on the interior, and now the Trojans will have to find a way to replace this valuable member of Ed Orgeron's unit.

No. 3: Christian Tupou

Forget for a moment that nose guard Christian Tupou was a very valuable member of the defensive line based on his ability alone.

While that portion of his game will be sorely missed, it is the leadership that Tupou displayed that will leave a hole in the locker room as well.

Tupou, who had to overcome some significant injuries in his Trojan career, led by example. Even when he was rehabbing, he did it with such a single-minded focus that he was named USC's most inspirational player a year ago.

As he had done so many times, Tupou overcame his injuries and saw the field of play in his senior year and was an integral member of the defensive line.

Tupou—and his leadership—will be sorely missed for sure.

No. 2: Nick Perry

The final two slides will be reserved for the NFL-eligible juniors which removes some of the suspense of the next slide.

The second-most missed Trojan is defensive end Nick Perry, whose reputation as an athletic freak finally translated into production on the field as his 9.5 sacks not only led USC but the entire Pac-12 in that category.

Perry should be a high draft pick, especially after NFL scouts get a gander at his measurables at the combine.

The Trojans will have some talent returning at the position in 2012, including Devon Kennard, but it is hard to replace those 9.5 sacks and the myriad holding penalties called against opponents trying to block Perry.

For that reason, he will be sorely missed.

No. 1: Matt Kalil

When the best left tackle in college football (and probable No. 2 player taken overall in the NFL draft) leaves, you can't help but miss him.

Such is the case with Matt Kalil, whose blocking prowess—including the ability to block kicks on special teams—made him a critical cog in USC's rebound this year.

There is no replacing Kalil, although the Trojans will do their best next year with a guy like Kevin Graf or perhaps big Aundrey Walker, who has a ton of talent but is still raw.

Though the prospect of Kalil returning for 2012 was a long-shot at best, it still doesn't negate the fact that he will be missed.

In fact, until Matt Barkley makes his decision to leave—or should I say "if"—Matt Kalil will be missed more than any other player to leave the program in 2011.

Conclusion

Let's face it—USC is going to miss all of those players who had the conviction to stay with the Trojans even in the face of uncertainty and turmoil.

From little-known cornerback Boomer Roepke to those mentioned on this list, these players all contributed to bringing the Trojans back from the brink to the point where they are now—feared once again.

Years of sweat and labor expended in practices, with often the only reward being the ability to stand on the sidelines during the game, these players gave their all for USC.

One player that didn't make the list but whom the Trojans may miss badly is long-snapper Chris Pousson, whose place will be taken by freshman Peter McBride.

Fans of the program should be grateful that special teams coach John Baxter is there to smooth that transition.

So, USC bids adieu to their seniors and NFL-eligible juniors.

With the university's and their fans' eternal gratitude, they turn the page on their college football career and embark on the next chapter of their lives.

They will be missed but not forgotten.

And they will be Trojans forever.