USC Football: Top 5 breakout candidates for 2017

USC football is coming off a great season and looking at bigger things in 2017. These five players could help them get a conference title and possibly more.

In 2016 Sam Darnold had a huge year after not beginning the season as the Trojans starting quarterback. Even though Darnold could put up even better numbers this season, he would not be considered a breakout star.

In order for USC to continue the success from last year’s team and possibly make a run at the playoff, they’ll need more players to take it to the next level like Darnold did last year.

Here’s a list of five potential breakout players for the Trojans this year.

There is no question that USC needs to replace a lot of production from last year’s wide receivers with the departures of JuJu Smith-Schuster and Darreus Rogers. Tyler Vaughns looks to fill some of that void.

Vaughns is a former four star recruit from La Puente, Calif., and was redshirted in 2016. Now after a year of learning, he is poised for a breakout season. He had a very good spring practice and in the Trojans spring game, made several catches including a spectacular 20 yard touchdown catch on a fade route in the back of the endzone.

While there are other receivers ahead of him on the depth chart, do not count out Vaughns. He has the size, speed and the hands to push for legitimate playing time every game. Sam Darnold needs as many weapons as possible, so the Trojan coaches would be wise to put Vaughns on the field as often as possible.