USC Football: 2017 season preview, predictions
Defense
The defensive backfield has a tall task in replacing Adoree’ Jackson, which we will discuss later, but the defensive line also has its work cut out, replacing two starters in a 3-4 look.
Returning is defensive end Rasheem Green who finished with 65 total tackles, 6.5 for loss and six sacks last season, but the team’s nose tackle and tackle positions will need to be filled by a combination of senior Kenny Bigelow Jr., junior Malik Dorton, senior Josh Fatu and freshman Marlon Tuipulotu. The talent is there, but the starting experience is not. Huge question mark.
As for the linebackers, three out of four return. Juniors Porter Gustin and Cameron Smith assume their outside and inside linebacker roles, respectively, while senior Uchenna Nwosu returns at the other outside spot. That’s three of the team’s six-leading tacklers from 2016 and they combined for 204 total tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.
Talented sophomore John Houston Jr. will take over the vacant inside linebacker spot, presumably. He had 16 tackles as a freshman.
Who replaces Adoree’ Jackson?
Jackson’s potential landed him a spot in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The Tennessee Titans took a chance on him early on and the former USC cornerback is likely to be a tremendous help in their secondary and even on special teams.
But who replaces him on defense at USC? He put up 55 total tackles, two for loss and five interceptions last season, but those are numbers that won’t be easily replaced. Moreover, he had 11 pass deflections, making him a tough corner to throw on.
One early favorite is Iman Marshall. While he started last season as well, he seems to be the most suited to take over as the team’s top cornerback. The junior finished with 52 total tackles, three for loss, three interceptions and eight pass deflections. He’s certainly on track.
Don’t sleep on Jack Jones, though. The former five-star from USC’s 2016 recruiting class is the perfect size and he’s an impressive athlete. He could break out in 2017.
Returning starter Marvell Tell III and senior Chris Hawkins look to anchor the starting safety positions. This unit needs to improve on its 65th national ranking against the pass from 2016.