USC Football: Top 5 breakout candidates for 2017
By Shane Lunnen
Uschenna Nwosu started his USC career playing on special teams and as a backup linebacker. Last year he was a starting outside linebacker for most of season, playing in 12 games. Finally in his senior season as a Trojan, Nwosu is poised for a breakout.
In 2016, Nwosu finished the year with 53 total tackles. 7.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 5 pass deflections. The stats were solid, but he did not garner any end of the season honors. This year that could change.
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Historically USC has been a producer of great linebackers. Names like Junior Seau, Richard Wood, Rey Maualuga, and Lofa Tatupa to name a few.
Not sure Nwosu can top the seasons those guys had, but if he has a fantastic senior season, he could find some end of season recognition for the first time in his Trojan career. So far he’s been named to the Butkus Award watch list, given annually to the nation’s best linebacker.
Whether the awards come or not, Nwosu is sure to make a name for himself this fall and leave a mark on his USC career.