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USC Trojans Football: 5 players to watch in spring game

By Zach Bigalke

January 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as USC Trojans center Nico Falah (74) snaps the ball against the Utah State Aggies during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as USC Trojans center Nico Falah (74) snaps the ball against the Utah State Aggies during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Center Nico Falah and right guard Viane Talamaivao are both back in 2017. But Damien Mama, Zach Banner and Chad Wheeler are all gone from last year’s offensive line. As a result, USC has more holes to fill than one might expect from a championship contender.

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The hope for the Trojans is that they can get an increased contribution from a player like Chris Brown. Brown has regular playing experience in the line rotation, but he has never before grabbed a starting role.

The redshirt junior has racked up the bulk of his playing experience at both guard positions. But at 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, Brown was recruited as an offensive tackle, and he is capable of playing at either bookend position as well.

Helton needs Brown to assert himself as the starter at one of the three vacant spots. If that happens, USC can maintain and build upon the level of success from last year. Watch to see where he starts in the spring game.

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