Who Will Show Up in the Receiver Spot?
Wide receivers for the Trojans are talented, young and unproven. The list
includes: Patrick Turner, Vidal Hazelton, David Ausberry, Travon Patterson,
Garrett Green, Ronald Johnson, Brandon Carswell and at times, Joe McKnight. A
virtual who's who in the talent pool, but a couple will need to step up, make
some big plays and solidify the position.
Tailbacks Solid
The tailbacks are solid, with C.J. Gable and Stafon Johnson leading the way.
They'll be backed up by Allen Bradford, Desmond Reed, and yes, McKnight. It
would be an added plus to see Chauncey Washington, but after better than two
weeks of battling a shoulder injury, his ability to contribute remains to be
seen. Washington feels he's ready to contribute, when healthy he could be the
best back in the bunch.
Center
True freshman Kristopher O'Dowd is learning the center position and by all
accounts should be able to hold down the spot. O'Dowd will be backed up by Jeff Byers.
Linebackers
Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing lead the linebacking corps.
Cushing has been battling a sprained ankle since opening day. In his place,
rising star and former walk on Clay Matthews will start. Matthews will play very
well, but he's not Cushing. Cushing may get into the game, depending on his
ability to move on the field.
The Quarterback
John David Booty is an accurate passer who has gained confidence over the
last year. Will he lead his team as well as he is capable of?
Defensive Line/Pass Rush
This group, led by Sedrick Ellis and Lawrence Jackson is a strong front line.
Kyle Moore and Everson Griffen will pair up with Lawrence Jackson at the end
spots. Can they pressure quarterback Sam Keller enough to disrupt his rhythm?
Will the Trojans throw some blitz packages at Keller?
Cornerback
Josh Pinkard is out for the year. Will Cary Harris (along with Shareece Wright and Terrell Thomas) lock down the corners?
And the Answer Is
Yes, yes, yes and yes. After watching Pete Carroll coach this team for 7
years, one thing is readily apparent. Carroll knows how to game plan and knows
how to get the team to play up to its potential. It will be an exercise to watch
all of these questions answered in the game versus the Cornhuskers. Some players
are ready to step up to the task. Others will learn their roles as the team
progresses each week. If nothing else, it's fun to watch a Pete Carroll led team
progress throughout the season.