USC Football: 5 incoming freshmen who could start in 2018

Ronald Jones II’s departure has left a major void in the Trojans’ backfield. He rushed for 1,550 yards and 19 touchdowns on 5.9 yards per carry in 2017 but he’s leaving the backfield in the hands of Stephen Carr who was second on the team last season with 363 yards and three scores.

While Carr could be the early favorite to take over in the backfield, he will have to fight off Aca’Cedric Ware, Vavae Malepeai and incoming freshman Markese Stepp. The latter, a four-star running back from Indianapolis, Ind., is a big-bodied back who already has a college-ready frame. In fact, he stands 6-foot-0 and weighs about 228 pounds.

Stepp runs hard and it takes more than one defender to bring him down. That’s exactly what USC’s offense could use after losing Jones II. While he’s the same caliber of back as Jones II, at least not yet, he could surely contend for some starting snaps.

The Indianapolis-native is ranked the No. 307 prospect in the class as well as the 14th-best running back. Keep an eye on him this fall as he could climb the depth chart.