USC Football: 5 players trending up after spring 2019

AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 15: Malik Dorton #44 of the USC Trojans celebrates after a tackle in the first quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 15: Malik Dorton #44 of the USC Trojans celebrates after a tackle in the first quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
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CHESTNUT HILL, MA – SEPTEMBER 13: A USC helmet is seen during the game between the Boston College Eagles and the USC Trojans on September 13, 2014 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA – SEPTEMBER 13: A USC helmet is seen during the game between the Boston College Eagles and the USC Trojans on September 13, 2014 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Not many players can go from walk-on to contending for starting time on a Power Five roster. Even less athletes can do it in just over a year. That’s exactly what redshirt freshman Jordan McMillan has done in his time at USC since walking on to the team a year ago.

The coaching staff has been glowing about the second-year safety from Los Angeles, according to Reign of Troy.

"“He’s unbelievable,” Pendergast said, crediting the walk-on who went from “not knowing if he’d ever have an opportunity to play here” to playing against Notre Dame last year."

McMillan has made the most of his opportunities this spring and looks to be easing into the two-deep come fall. He finished the season with a solid performance against Notre Dame but has pieced together a strong offseason to put himself in contention.

Who would have thought the 5-foot-11, 200-pound walk-on safety would stay home and prove people wrong, earning meaningful snaps heading into the summer?