USC Impact Players For The 2015 Season
By Damon Taylor
Steve Sarkasian’s first season with USC was pretty good finishing 9-4 but with a few breakout performances from various players, then skies the limit for this team.
Cody Kessler had a tremendous campaign in 2014. He threw for over 3,800 yards, 39 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. The only problem Kessler had last season was coming up short in a few big games. For instance, the rivalry game vs UCLA ended dreadfully once again for USC.
Furthermore, Kessler will learn from those mistakes in big games. I expect him to have a Heisman caliber type season. Don’t be surprised if he surpasses those 2014 numbers in 2015.
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The Trojans will go as far as Kessler will lead them.
I am looking forward to seeing Tre Madden back on the field this season. Madden missed the entire 2014 season with turf toe. He will split carries with Justin Davis to create a lethal combo of speed and power for the Trojans in 2015.
Davis came off a pretty decent season. Buck Allen received many of the carries in 2014, while Davis seen only 129 and recorded over 500 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Madden has a lot to prove in 2015 and missing the entire 2014 season only will add fuel to the fire built inside of him.
As a quarterback, the most vital factor’s in succeeding at the position is a good offensive line and a go-to pass catcher. JuJu Smith will be Kessler’s favorite target in 2015 and he will exceed his freshman season numbers. Smith recorded 54 receptions, 724 yards and 5 touchdowns in his freshman season at Southern Cal.
Smith is that deep threat that every team in the country should fear when he steps onto the field. Heck, perhaps they should have a safety play over the top wherever he is lined up at. Smith is that good of a playmaker and impact player going into the 2015 season.
Smith did not make the watch list for the Biletnikoff award and it’s safe to say he will reach out to former USC standout receiver Marquise Lee. Not making the list is basically saying there are 48 wide receivers in the country better than Smith.
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Lee was brought up due to the fact that he also was left off the list in 2012 and actually ended up winning the award the same season. I urge everyone to watch out for JuJu Smith, he will terrorize many defensive backs in the country.
One of my favorite players on Southern Cal’s team last year was standout freshman corner back Adore’e Jackson. He should be name “Mr. versitale”. He does so many things on the football field. He plays defense, he plays offense at times and he returns kicks efficiently.
I will make a bold prediction and say at the end of the season Jackson will be top-5 in the Heisman Trophy race.
Lastly, Su’a Cravens is another guy that was exciting to watch his freshman and sophomore year. His freshman season he played safety but was moved to linebacker his sophomore season. Nevertheless, Cravens made plays all over the field.
Look out for Cravens to have another All American caliber season.