5 USC Freshman to Keep an Eye On in 2009
By Joe K
Historically, Pete Carroll’s USC football team has placed a premium on inserting talented freshman into the regular rotation provided they can be counted upon to perform in crucial situations. In 2002, freshman wide receiver Mike Williams appeared in 13 games, totaling 1,265 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in addition to being selected to the second team All-Pac-10. In 2003, freshman tailback LenDale White rushed for 745 yards and a team-leading 13 touchdowns. In 2004, freshman wideout Dwayne Jarrett hauled in 849 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. In 2005, freshman linebacker Rey Maualuga was a key contributor on USC’s run to the national championship game, recording 36 tackles as a spot-starter. Now, many procrastinators, beat writers, and everyday fans feel as if 2009 will be yet another season, where the Trojans receive multiple contributions from freshman. Here are a few we think could make a big difference for Carroll and company this year.
1.) Matt Barkley
While Barkley is sort of an obvious pick at this stage of the game, the list wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense if it didn’t include him. The much-hyped freshman from Mater Dei surprisingly beat out sophomore Aaron Corp and junior Mitch Mustain for the starting quarterback job during fall camp and is all set to become the first true freshman in the history of USC’s storied program to start the season opener. In other words, the pressure is on. He’s the stereotypical gunslinger, as his arm strength allows him to make nearly every throw, but it also gives him the confidence or arrogance to force the ball into tight spots. As a result, he has the ability to throw an interception following a 60-yard touchdown pass. The skeptics have been suggesting that Corp, who missed two weeks of fall camp with a leg injury, isn’t healthy enough to start the opener, and Carroll simply named Barkley the starter as a result. While Carroll has repeatedly said the move wasn’t temporary, it will be interesting to see if Barkley can be as good as advertised, because if he struggles, the fans will certainly start clamoring for Corp.
2.) Brice Butler
With the collarbone injury to fellow wide receiver Ronald Johnson, the redshirt freshman Butler may suddenly be counted upon to fill the shoes of a wideout, who garnered 570 receiving yards and eight touchdowns a year ago. But like nearly every other Trojan on the roster, Butler has the speed and athletic ability to certainly make a difference. Coming out of high school in Norcross, Georgia; Butler was rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and boasted a self-reported 4.4 fourty yard dash. For the first part of the season, Butler will primary serve as the team’s third wide receiver – being used in three and four receiver sets. Projected as a slot receiver, Butler may also come up big on third downs, as his excellent body control and ability to win jump balls allow him to make many catches in traffic. Butler may have still played a big role with Johnson in the lineup, but his importance will be even more magnified in Rojo’s absence.
3.) De’Von Flournoy
During the recruiting process, Carroll didn’t necessarily go out of his way to haul in a bunch of receiver prospects, but he did manage to sign De’Von Flournoy, a 6’0″ wideout from Van Nuys, California. Even with the Trojans depth at wide receiver, it’s possible that Flournoy, a four-star prospect who runs a 4.47 40 yard dash, could be used in certain four and five receiver sets for the Trojans. It’s not uncommon for the Trojans to get production out of their freshman wide receivers (see: Mike Williams in 2002, Steve Smith in 2003, and Dwayne Jarrett in 2004) so keep an eye out for Flournoy this year. So far in fall camp, Flournoy has showed the ability to make multiple deep catches, as he has often found the end zone on receptions totaling well over 40 yards. His big play threat could prove to be extremely helpful for first-year starter Matt Barkley.
4.) Jarvis Jones
The Trojans were hit heavy by last April’s NFL Draft, as their top four linebackers, Brian Cushing, Kaluka Maiava, Clay Matthews, and Rey Maualuga, were all day one draft picks. Now, they have three new starters at linebacker, Junior Malcom Smith, Sophomore Chris Galippo, and Junior Michael Morgan. However, even with the heavy losses, defensive coordinator Rocky Seto has called the unit faster than the 2008 group. While that may or may not be the case, one thing is for sure – it’s an extremely talented bunch. However, if one of the three were to be sidelined with an injury or academic issues, the 6’3″ Georgia native, Jones, would likely be the first one off the bench to fill their shoes. He may not be a Cushing or Maualuga yet, but he is extremely talented as evident by his four star rating by Rivals.com and high school statistics. Even if everyone is healthy, look for Jones to be on the field quite often.
5.) Nick Perry
Presently, Perry is battling Wes Horton and Malik Jackson for the remaining defensive end position, as junior Everson Griffin is a lock to start on the opposite side of the line. The Detroit native is quite talented, but like most freshman defensive ends, is a little undisciplined at times. He is a tremendous pass rusher, as he is explosive and is often able to get quick penetration. This allows him to record many sacks and break up multiple plays in the backfield. However, at the same time, he needs to improve his disengaging skills, particularly against the run, as he overpursues a lot of plays. But because of his unique pass rushing ability, look for Perry to find a spot in the rotation even if he doesn’t nab the starting spot.