USC Football: 5 takeaways from Trojans in spring 2018

USC football has finished up spring ball and is looking ahead to the 2018 season. What did we learn about the Trojans this spring?

After winning 11 games and taking a trip to the Cotton Bowl only to get blown out by Ohio State, USC is looking to get back to its national title-contending ways in 2018.

The Trojans are losing Heisman-caliber quarterback Sam Darnold and running back Ronald Jones II, but they return plenty on the defensive side of the ball, including potential All-Pac-12 first-teamers Porter Gustin and Iman Marshall.

Offensively, the Trojans have a quarterback battle on their hands as well as fierce competition in the backfield, but the talent is there. This team could exceed expectations, judging on the strong spring it put together.

What’d we learn about the Trojans this spring?

5. Kana’i Mauga will be an instant impact freshman

If you’re looking for a freshman who could jump in as an immediate starter, your search may be over with former four-star linebacker, and early enrollee, Kana’i Mauga.

Mauga was listed as the nation’s No. 164 overall prospect in the 2018 class and 14th-best outside linebacker, per 247Sports. The Hawaii-native joins a long line of elite football stars from the state and could jump into that starting rotation at linebacker for the Trojans.

Not only has Mauga been getting first-team reps, but he’s also looking like a high-IQ player on the defensive side of the ball who also happens to be an elite pass rusher.

The Trojans return three starters at linebacker and Gustin is back healthy and figures to be a big piece of the puzzle as well, maybe even a top defender in the nation, making the starting chances for Mauga slim, but he will be an instant impact player.