USC Football: 5 takeaways from Trojans in spring 2018
4. Iman Marshall is poised for a monster season
One of the weaknesses of the 11-win USC team in 2017 was its inability to stop opponents’ passing attacks. The Trojans ranked 82nd in the country in passing yards allowed per game (237.0) and sixth in the Pac-12. That’s not exactly a recipe for success and it was one of the main reasons this team missed out on a College Football Playoff berth.
Often getting involved in shootouts in Pac-12 play, the Trojans relied heavily on the offense to pick up the slack when the defense made its mistakes — there were plenty. Now, it’s up to the defense to step up, namely the secondary.
Iman Marshall looks primed to improve his game in every facet, looking slimmer, faster and all-around better this spring, according to head coach Clay Helton.
Iman Marshall is trimmer, lighter and he hasn't taken a single rep off this spring, Helton says.
— Reign of Troy (@ReignofTroy) April 11, 2018
That ‘don’t take plays off’ attitude will serve him well with NFL scouts this upcoming season, but his talent level and cut frame will also do the trick. After a decent junior season in which he finished seventh on the team in tackles and second in pass deflections, Marshall looks like he’s due for a monster campaign.