USC Trojans: Who wins the starting running back job?
By Tommy Tabler
The USC Trojans are starting to recover from the NCAA penalties that crippled the program for a few years and they are predicted to win the Pac-12 South, but the question mark is who will carry the load at running back.
Cody Kessler is a Heisman Trophy candidate and the Trojans passing game should be one of the best in the nation with sophomore receiver JuJu Smith looking to build on the 54 receptions for 724 yards he had as a freshman.
However, to have a balanced offensive attack, the Trojans have to settle on a running back to replace Buck Allen who left early for the NFL Draft after rushing for more than 1,400 yards last year.
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USC has options at running back but that doesn’t mean the coaching staff wouldn’t prefer one back to step up and take control of the spot.
Which Trojan will step at running back?
Justin Davis wants to get the majority of the carries are rushing for 596 yards last season. He has the skill-set and quickness to at least cause the Trojans’ offense to split the carries. Tre Madden is the other main competitor to start and is looking to make up for time missed last year due to an injury. He gives USC a physical element that should complement Madden in the Trojan backfield.
Whether it be Davis or Madden, one of those two are going to have to carry the load, and become as close to an everyday running back as they can. If one or both should not take advantage of their opportunity then look for true freshman Ronald Jones II to vie for early playing time and 10 carries or so per game.
USC looks great on paper, but the Trojans’ faithful aren’t interested in paper championships. Kessler and the passing game should be consistent and a strength for USC this year. I have always been a believer in running to set up the pass and finding a consistent running game is the challenge facing this year’s team.
Who do you think wins the starting tailback job at USC? Let me hear your thoughts in the comments section.
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