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USC Football: Way-too-early 2022 depth chart projection

By Jackson Caudell

Nov 27, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. (1) battles for a pass against BYU Cougars defensive back Kaleb Hayes (18) in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. (1) battles for a pass against BYU Cougars defensive back Kaleb Hayes (18) in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2021; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (6) celebrates his end zone interception with safety Chris Miller (0) in the second quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2021; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (6) celebrates his end zone interception with safety Chris Miller (0) in the second quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Secondary

Starting cornerbacks: Mekhi Blackmon, Josh Jackson Jr.
Backups: Domani Jackson, Latrell McCutchin

Starting safeties: Calen Bullock, Xavion Alford
Backups: Xamarion Gordon, Anthony Beavers Jr.

Starting nickel: Max Williams
Backup: Jaylin Smith

USC is going to have five new starters in its secondary in 2022. Some of the new faces have experience, but there are going to be some growing pains along the way.

At cornerback, Colorado transfer Mekhi Blackmon is going to fill one spot. He has plenty of experience and should bring leadership to the back end of the defense. Josh Jackson Jr. played for USC last season but was not spectacular. It is probably only a matter of time before five-star Domani Jackson gets to start. He is one of the most talented recruits in the nation and will bring much-needed talent to the Trojans’ secondary.

At safety, Calen Bullock and Xavion Alford should have the two starting spots locked up. Both guys played last season and are more experienced than their backups. Another freshman to watch is Zion Branch who was one of the most talented safety recruits and like Jackson at cornerback, it is only a matter of time before he sees the field.

While Max Williams was hurt last season, he should be back in line to start at nickelback for USC.

Next. NFL Mock Draft 2022: Super Bowl weekend edition. dark

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