This year's offensive line class has many play makers. While USC grabbed highly touted lineman in their 2008 class, a couple were busts and now Khaled Holmes and Matt Kalil must be able to step up as it seems they will be starting next season.

USC suffered major blows at the linebacker position last year with the de-commits of Manti "I was a Trojan the day before signing day" Te'o and Vontaze "Best LB in the Pac-10 in 2010" Burfict.  They recovered with commitments of Jarvis Jones, Frankie Telfort, and Marquis Simmons only to later discover of Telfort's rare heart condition during practices and ultimately ruling out Telfort from future play.  The 2009 class somehow kept its anti-linebacker disease through the 2010 recruiting class.

Having said that, USC will have one of the best classes it will ever have... On the offensive side of the ball.

Lets take a look at our commits after the jump...

This year's offensive class is incredibly incredible.  It's filled with play-makers in nearly every position and can be quite a force in the seasons coming.  Lets take a look at these wonders: (NOTE: I hate the star system, but eff it, I'm going to implement my own star-system the way I want it to be.)

Already Enrolled:

Kyle Prater (WR)*****:

This player should be dubbed "The next #1" (He's wearing #85).  Make no mistake about it, Prater is a tall, lean, ball-catching machine.  At 6-5, Prater has the size and vertical jump to catch anything that is heaved at him.  His hands are freakishly large and catching one-hand grabs is not rare; Just check out this video.  He wont out-run you, but with the proper conditioning drills that he will do over the next seven months, you better pre-order your #85 jersey now because they will sell out.

Dillon Baxter (RB)*****:

A man among men. Dillon is an emotional leader and will rub some of it all to others.  Baxter opened his recruiting (as did most) when Carroll left the program, but a week later solidified his commitment to USC and enrolled on Monday.  His running back skills are as good as anyone's, but he can add a few more pounds.  He also played QB for his school and was excellent at the position, even out-performed other quarter-backs in the Army Bowl All-American practices.  Having said that, watch out for the wild-cat play.

Committed:

Robert Woods(WR)*****:

Woods and Prater are the top two wide-outs in the nation.  With Woods, you get speed and great ball- catching skills. Don't be fooled by his size (6-1, 185), his leaping ability will kill corners (40 inch vertical).  His route-running abilities is what breaks away from all the other wide-outs in the nation, he will confuse the heck out of corners and safeties. I project him to be RoJo 2.0.

Xavier Grimble(TE)*****:

Has the size (6-6, 245) to be a small lineman, just to athletic to be one, though.  Xavier Grimble has soft hands and will punish linebackers once he receives it. Top tight-end in the nation.

DJ Morgan(RB)*****:

Probably the fastest out of the bunch.  Morgan's juking abilities are un-matched.  He was invited to the Army All-American Bowl Game but could not participate as he had a devastating knee injury.  Once recovered, look for him to return punts and more.

Randall Telfer(TE)*****:

With Xavier being the most physical, Telfer is the most athletic.  Very tall and lean, Kiffin is going to be a very happy kid when he implements his top two tight-ends.

Jesse Scroggins(QB)*****:

The 6-2 quarter-back is known for his accuracy and athleticism.  What he's not know is his arm, but he proved everyone wrong when he showed scouts he could throw the ball 70 yards down the field.  No people, that was not a typo.  Matt Barkley may be the QB for now, but Lane's "clean slate" speech will bring Barkley the competition.

Giovanni Di Poalo(OT)*****:

Mid-size offensive lineman who has terrific blocking abilities on the running game.

Matt Darr (K)*****:

Punter who regularly kicks 50-yarders at ease.

DEFENSE:

George Uko( DT)*****:

A defensive tackle who will bull rush you with top effort.  Top three defensive-tackle in the nation. Watching Uko play is very similar to that of Sedrick Ellis.  He has terrific size and should see a great amount of playing time at the defensive tackle position. If only Uko played in the Stanford game...

Dion Bailey (DB)*****:

A real ball hawk.  Will have a field day when his time comes in the tampa 2.  He's a safety that lacks top-speed, but his strength will over power mid-sized receivers.

Demetrius Wright (S):

My favorite recruit of the class.  Wright showed everyone on national television that recruits should enroll at a school not for the coach, but for the school itself.  The day Carroll departed, Wright did not flinch and wanted to be a USC Trojan.  Has very similar skills and build like Bailey, but has more upside and a larger frame that may even put him as an outside linebacker.

Anthony Brown (ATH):

Position player who is able to do parts of everything. He is a great tackler, great ball catching ability, great speed, lacks size.

Dak Smith (DT):

An overweight lineman who will probably see playing time at goal line.  That's a compliment.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now for some rumors and visits from recruits:

Kiffin came to USC and quickly began his first mission, to have the best recruiting class in the nation.  He kept all but one of the recruits intact, which is an incredible feat, and him and coach Orgeron are on a tear.  Markeith Ambles (WR) visited USC last weekend and from the quotes I've read, he's all USC.  Why should you get excited? This per scouting Director Greg Biggins:

Honestly, I would put Prater, Woods, Ambles as the top receivers in the nation in that order.

Like I said before, this year's linebacker class is thin, but that wont stop Kiffin from getting top linebacker in California, Josh Shirley.  Kiffin told him he will put him at WILL, which is his natural position. Shirley had a great visit to USC and Kiffin had an in-home visit with Lane yesterday, which he said "went great".  Most of the top linebackers are in the East and we have virtually no shot at any of them. Christian Jones (Top 5 outside linebacker) was going to visit USC this weekend.  But it appears that he's going to cancel. He has FSU written all over him, though.

Top lineman Seantrel Henderson is getting blitzed by Kiffin and Orgeron.  Lane Kiffin is probably talking with him at his house as we speak as his in-home visit is today.  Most scouts say Ohio State is the leader, but in recent days, they get a feel that it is USC.  Baxter and Henderson are close friends,they met last at the player of the year award ceremony and were teammates at the Army Bowl Game. Henderson's father, Sean, even got to say that they hung out with Baxter's parents.Henderson is regarded as the best player this year.

Chaz Green is not far from Henderson.  The second best lineman in the nation has been recruited hard by Florida in recent days, but is visiting USC this weekend and has USC "high" on his list.  Fans worry that Green wont join USC because of Henderson. Henderson plays left tackle, Green plays right. Get that cleared people.  Arie Kouandijo is also a regular 4-star lineman that will visit USC this weekend, if only our coaches will be this focused on the linebacker position.

As if we're not already stacked in the safety position, USC offered scholarships and are currently recruiting Latwan Anderson (S, Ohio) and Eddrick Loften (S, Texas), and Demar Dorsey (S, Flo).  Latwan Anderson is a top-five player in the state of Ohio, regarded as the best defensive-back.  He is currently committed to West Virginia, but told sources that USC is his "dream school". Watch his video, you will wish he commits.  Loften is a hard hitting, ball hawk safety.  He was recruited by Willi Mack Garza.  Demar Dorsey is the fastest safety in the nation.  A ball hawk that was clocked at 4.32 on his 40.  Both will be visiting this weekend.

Second rated tight-end Christian Thomas (Cali.) will also be visiting this weekend.  He has high-interest in USC and participated in the Under Armour Bowl Game.  If USC gets his signature, USC will have the top tight ends in the nation.  Like I've said, best offensive class in the nation.

Corner-back Nickell Robey is getting serious looks from Monte Kiffin.  He will officially visit USC this weekend. Robey is the top corner for the state of Georgia, the school he is currently committed to.  The Atlanta Journal Constitution blog said he wont be committing to Georgia and is open-game.

The drama with Dietrich Riley continues.  He said he will make a decision after signing day.  He's a safety that has a wide frame to add muscle.  He isn't the fastest safety but a hard hitter and has higher upside than most safeties. It's a USC-UCLA battle for Riley. 

Sean Parker is the most physical safety in the nation that has high-interest in USC.  Only problem is that Michigan wont quit on Parker and that is the school most scouts think he's leaning on.  Michigan - SC battle.

More to come...

• Mark Sanchez's dream ride through the postseason ended with one of his best all-around performances of his rookie year, as he went 17-for-30 for 257 yards, two touchdowns and just one interception.
• Reggie Bush had two catches for 33 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' 31-28 overtime win over the Minnesota Vikings.
• Defensive lineman Sedrick Ellis had six tackles in the Saints' victory.
• Tailback Chauncey Washington (New York Jets) and defensive lineman Fili Moala (Indianapolis Colts) were not active for the AFC championship game.

A former USC Trojan will play in this years Super Bowl and there will be at least one on each team. Well, kind of... Here are former Trojans that still have a shot at a Super Bowl appearance.

New York Jets: Mark Sanchez and Chauncey Washington
Indianapolis Colts: Fili Moala
New Orleans Saints: Reggie Bush, Sedrick Ellis and Billy Miller (Injured Reserve)
Minnesota Vikings: Offensive lineman Drew Radovich is the "kind of," he is not on the active roster, but on the practice squad.

(Photo of Reggie Bush by Icon Sports Media)

I am rooting for a Jets vs. Saints match up. Nothing would please me more than seeing Sedrick Ellis sack Mark Sanchez.

If you can predict the future and know who will win this weekend or who will win the big game on February 7th, go here to bet on the Super Bowl.

Don't go into hibernation just yet; there are positives to be taken away from this game shown in the highlights.

Joe McKnight rushed for 100 yards on 11 carries, upping his current season total rush yards to 305. Could he be the first Trojan since Reggie Bush to rush for over 1000 yards in a season?

The offense struggled with the passing game, but there were some great runs by Stanley Havili, Stafon Johnson, and Allen Bradford.

USC's young defense did a great job containing Jake Locker and holding the Huskies to 16 points. If only the offense would have scored another touchdown or two. Sophomore Jurrell Casey and redshirt freshman Nick Perry set up camp in the Huskies' backfield.

Sedrick Ellis, 7th overall, Saints: 30 tackles, 4 sacks.
Keith Rivers, 9th overall, Bengals: 37 tackles (in 7 games), a forced fumble and an interception before being eliminated from the season by a crushing block from Hines Ward.
Sam Baker, 21st overall, Falcons: Started 5 games, played 7. Integral force in Matt Ryan and the Falcons impressive post-Vick turnaround.
Lawrence Jackson, 28th overall, Seahawks: 29 tackles, 2 sacks.
Chilo Rachal, 2nd round - 7th pick, 49ers: Started 6 games, played 8.
Fred Davis, 2nd round -17th pick, Redskins: 3 receptions for 27 yards. If Sanchez lands there, Davis may get a increase in passes thrown his way.
Terrell Thomas, 2nd round, 32nd pick, Giants: 45 tackles, a blocked kick, a forced fumble and an interception.
John David Booty, 5th round, 2nd pick, Vikings: Has yet to get his feet wet.
Thomas Williams, 5th round, 20th pick, Jaguars: 1 tackle, 1 forced fumble.
Chauncey Washington, 7th round, 6th pick, Jaguars: 4 carries, 9 yards. 1 reception, 9 yards.

So the big winners last year were Terrell Thomas and Keith Rivers until...

It's Monday, January 5, 2009.

You're probably sitting at your desk right now.

Welcome back.

The holidays are over and odds are you're reflecting fondly on the food, the family gatherings, and, of course, the football. In order to brighten your day in the office, here's a look at some of the pageantry from the 2009 Rose Bowl between USC and Penn State. Click on any photo to enlarge.

The LA Times also ran a large 55-shot photo gallery and Brooks snapped some fun shots with Wendy over on SportsByBrooks.com.

For all the Rose Bowl coverage from this blog, there's a 2009 Rose Bowl category.

From the sideline

Rey Maualuga's  Bednarik Award (right) and A.Q. Shipley's Rimington Trophy (left).

Penn State's flag bearers look on as USC takes the field.

Golf advice for USC's special teams.

Penn State cheerleaders. Just because.

In the final minutes, USC alum Sedrick Ellis shared his caramel corn with coaches Brennan Carroll and Ken Norton, Jr.

The Fans

These guys were dragging around little lions like many Trojans drag around little Bruins during rivalry week.

Word is that these fans are regulars in the stands in Happy Valley.

If you want your sign to stand out in a crowd, day-glo is always a good choice.

The most popular man in the state of Pennsylvania?

Mark Sanchez's #1 fan ... his mom.

The players

Penn State went three-and-out a couple times in the first quarter, making it look like a low-scoring game was at hand.

Mark Sanchez turned it into a scoring fest in the second quarter, shown just seconds before taking a draw in for a touchdown.

Sanchez is mobbed by his teammates after scoring.

Throughout the game, long snappers and kickers kept loose.

Even in the fourth quarter, Mark Sanchez was throwing passes on the sideline to Damian Williams to keep ready.

Look! In the sky!

The B-2 from Mizzou.

Your tax dollars at work.

This wasn't spelled by the B-2.

-- Adam Rose
All photos by Adam Rose.

Matt Cassel (QB, New England) had the biggest game of his career and was impressive even in defeat. Call it a moral victory. He piled up 400 yards on 30-of-51 passing with 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. He added 62 yards on 8 carries, making him the first NFL player to gain 400 yards throwing and 60 yards receiving in the same game. He led the Pats back from an 18 point deficit at halftime, but they eventually fell 34-31 in overtime. No worries. The best game of his career was enough to win over the Sports Guy.

Lofa Tatupu (LB, Seattle) made 9 tackles in a 26-20 loss to Arizona.

LenDale White (RB, Tennessee) carried 14 times for 52 yards in a 24-14 victory over Jacksonville.

Terrell Thomas (CB, NY Giants) had a career-high 5 tackles, one for a loss, in a 30-10 win over Baltimore.

Justin Fargas (RB, Oakland) carried 17 times for 57 yards in a 17-15 loss to Miami.

Willie McGinest (LB, Cleveland) made 5 tackles in a 29-27 Monday night victory over Buffalo.

Steve Smith (WR, NY Giants) caught passes for 12 and 5 yards in the victory over Baltimore.

Frostee Rucker (DE, Cincinnati) made 4 tackles in a 13-13 tie with Philly.

Mike Patterson (DT, Philadelphia) assisted on a pair of tackles in the tie with Cincy.

Brian Kelly (CB, Detroit) had 2 tackles in a 31-22 loss to Carolina.

Shaun Cody (DT, Detroit) made a tackle in the loss to Carolina.

Sedrick Ellis (DT, New Orleans) had a tackle in a 30-20 win over Kansas City.

Lawrence Jackson (DE, Seattle) assisted on a tackle in the loss to Arizona.

Also played: Fred Davis (TE, Washington), Sammy Knight (S, NY Giants), Billy Miller (TE, New Orleans)

Matt Leinart (QB, Arizona) didn't play, as usual. Does it strike anybody else as strange that after he got in for a few minutes in week two, he hasn't even been used in garbage time during three different games decided by 21+ points?

-- Adam Rose
Photo by Luc Leclerc/US Presswire

Matt Cassel (QB, New England)

LenDale White (RB, Tennessee) led the Titans with 14 rushing yards. That wasn't too impressive, but his touchdown was his 11th of the season. He also made a six yard catch. Tennessee excaped Chicago, 21-14, to remain undefeated.

Mike Patterson (DT, Philadelphia) only had one tackle, but grabbed his first career interception (complete with a 21 yard return) and recovered a fumble in a 36-31 loss to the NY Giants.

Justin Fargas (RB, Oakland) is doing the best under the circumstances, gaining 89 yards on 22 carries and 9 on a reception. He also had a fumble in the Raiders' 17-6 loss to Carolina.

Lofa Tatupu (LB, Seattle) made 9 tackles in a 21-19 loss to Miami.

Billy Miller (TE, New Orleans) nabbed 5 receptions for 65 yards in a 34-20 loss to Atlanta.

Reggie Bush (RB, Saints) is expected back from knee surgery for next week's game against Kansas City.

Willie McGinest (LB, Cleveland) made 7 tackles, one behind the line of scrimmage, in a 34-30 loss to Denver.

Sedrick Ellis (DT, New Orleans) made 5 tackles in the loss to Atlanta. He also got a nice writeup in the Times-Picayune.

Troy Polamalu (S, Pittsburgh) had 4 tackles in a 24-20 loss to Indianapolis.

Steve Smith (WR, NY Giants) caught a 12 yard reception in the win over Philly.

Terrell Thomas (LB, NY Giants) had 3 tackles in the victory over the Eagles.

Keary Colbert (WR, Seattle) made an 11 yard reception in the loss to Miami.

Lawrence Jackson (DE, Seattle) had one tackle in the loss to Miami.

Brian Kelly (CB, Detroit) made on tackle in a 38-14 loss to Jacksonville.

Also played: Thomas Williams (LB, Jacksonville)

-- Adam Rose
Photo by Elise Amendola/AP

• Ryan Kalil (C, Carolina)
• Deuce Lutui (G, Arizona)
• Sam Baker (T, Atlanta Falcons)
• Matt Cassel (QB, New England)
• Carson Palmer (QB, Cincinnati)
• Justin Fargas (RB, Oakland)
• LenDale White (RB, Tennessee)
• Reggie Bush (both as RB and Kick Returner, New Orleans)
• Lawrence Jackson (DE, Seattle)
• Mike Patterson (DT, Philadelphia)
• Sedrick Ellis (DE, New Orleans)
• Willie McGinest (LB, Cleveland)
• Keith Rivers (LB, Cincinnati)
• Lofa Tatupu (LB, Seattle)
• Brian Kelly (CB, Detroit)
• Troy Polamalu (SS, Pittsburgh)

Click here to vote for your favorite Trojans.

-- Adam Rose

Matt Cassel (QB, New England)

Reggie Bush (RB, New Orleans) is still a human highlight reel, but also still not an every down back. He returned a punt 55 yards for a touchdown with ridiculous speed -- and a taunting wave. On offense he ran 10 times for 28 yards and made 7 receptions for 63 yards. The Saints lost to Washington, 29-24.

LenDale White (RB, Tennessee) split carries with Chris Johnson, but touched the rock 18 time for 59 yards and a touchdown.

Lawrence Jackson (DE, Seattle) had a big day. The rookie made 5 tackles, but, most impressively, had two sacks in a 33-30 overtime loss to San Francisco.

Troy Polamalu (S, Pittsburgh) overcame hamstring trouble to make 4 tackles and an interception in a 10-6 victory over Clevelend.

Keith Rivers (LB, Cincinnati) made 8 tackles in the loss to Tennessee.

Carson Palmer (QB, Cincinnati) doesn't seem his old self. After a lousy game last week, he was only 16-of-27 for 134 yards and 2 interceptions in a 24-7 loss to Tennessee. He also injured his ankle in the second half.

Justin Fargas (RB, Oakland) have 97 yards in week one and was holding off rookie Darren McFadden pretty well. Then he pulled his groing in the second quarter this week against Kansas City and McFadden had a great day. Before leaving, Fargas had 43 yards on 9 touches in a 23-8 victory.

Lofa Tatupu (LB, Seattle) made 5 tackles in the loss to the Niners.

Steve Smith (WR, NY Giants) made catches of 11 and 8 yards, as well as a tackle after a turnover. New York won 41-13 over St. Louis.

Matt Leinart (QB, Arizona) saw mop-up duty in a 31-10 victory over Miami. He completed a 15 yard pass on 2 attempts. Kurt Warner seems to have the job on lock for now.

Fred Davis (TE, Washington) saw the first pro action of his career and made a 6 yard catch in the victory over New Orleans.

Frostee Rucker (DE, Cincinnati) made 5 tackles in the loss to the Titans.

Sedrick Ellis (DT, New Orleans) made 4 tackles in the loss to Washington.

Brian Kelly (CB, Detroit) had three tackles in a 48-25 loss to Green Bay.

Willie McGinest (LB, Cleveland) made one tackle in the loss to Pittsburgh.

LaJuan Ramsey (DE, Indianapolis) had a tackle in an 18-15 win over Minnesota.

Also played: Sammy Knight (S, NY Giants).

Monday Night Football: Mike Patterson (DT, Philadelphia) will be playing against Dallas.

-- Adam Rose
Photo by Rich Kane / US Presswire

Reggie Bush (RB, New Orleans)

Matt Cassel (QB, New England) may have become the hottest commodity in fantasy football this weekend when Tom Brady went down. But will he actually become the long-range starter? For more on his performance, click here.

Matt Leinart (QB, Arizona) didn't see any action against the 49ers. Crazy thought ... he will probably be a backup in week two, but his former backup (Cassel) could be leading the defending AFC champion.

Carson Palmer (QB, Cincinnati) was also upstaged by his former backup (again, Cassel). Still dealing with a broken nose, he was just 10-of-25 for 99 yards and an interception. He also picked up 15 yards on 3 carries. The Bengals lost to Baltimore, 17-10.

Keith Rivers (LB, Cincinnati) made a big impact in his first game as a pro, recording 10 tackles (9 solo) in the loss to the Ravens.

Frostee Rucker (DT, Cincinnati) had six tackles and forced a fumble.

Troy Polamalu (S, Pittsburgh) had a good game despite being hampered with a hamstring problem. He made three tackles and nabbed an interception in a 38-17 victory over Houston.

LenDale White (RB, Tennessee) ran 15 times for 40 yards and a touchdown, but seems to be losing the starting job to rookie Chris Johnson.

Lofa Tatupu (LB, Seattle) made 8 tackles in a 34-10 loss to Buffalo.

Dwayne Jarrett (WR, Carolina) had catches of 25 and 11 yards in a 26-24 win over San Diego.

Steve Smith (WR, New York Giants) made grabs of 8 and 7 yards in Thursday's 16-7 win over Washington.

Willie McGinest (LB, Cleveland) had three tackles in a 28-10 loss to Dallas.

Sedrick Ellis (DT, New Orleans) made a pair of tackles in the win over Tampa Bay.

Lawrence Jackson (DE, Seattle) made two tackles in the loss to the Bills..

Mike Patterson (DT, Philadelphia) had a pair of tackles in a 38-3 shelling of St. Louis.

Shaun Cody (DT, Detroit) made two tackles in a 34-21 loss to Atlanta.

Monday Night Football: With a pair of games tonight, John David Booty (QB, Minnesota), Keary Colbert (WR, Denver), and Justin Fargas (RB, Oakland) could all see some playing time.

-- Adam Rose
Photo: Crystal LoGiudice-US PRESSWIRE

2008 CFN Unit Rankings

Defenses

1. USC
When linebackers Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing decided to forego the NFL Draft for one more year, it ensured that the Trojans would have one of the nastiest back sevens in the country.  Not only are the two seniors All-America-caliber, but the secondary is sensational. Safeties Kevin Ellison and Taylor Mays are among six players with starting experience.  Even without current pros Sedrick Ellis and Lawrence Jackson, the defensive line will be just fine. On the outside, speedy Everson Griffen is good enough to make folks forget about Jackson. On the inside, senior Fili Moala is about to shed his anonymity while making a strong push for All-American honors and a spot in the first round of next year’s NFL Draft.    

Offenses

10. USC
Mark or Mitch? The battle between Mark Sanchez and Mitch Mustain to replace John David Booty at quarterback isn’t exactly over. Sanchez got the nod in April, but he got hurt and is questionable for the start of the season. Mustain has done nothing but impress the staff since transferring from Arkansas. Whoever gets the ball will have gobs of speed and explosiveness surrounding him. After getting a taste of action as a freshman, RB Joe McKnight is on the tarmac and preparing for national lift-off. The receivers are a year older, with the size, athleticism, and addition of former Hog Damian Williams to dominate opposing secondaries. The line loses four starters, putting the onus on sophomores Kristofer O’Dowd, Butch Lewis, and Zack Heberer to perform like vets.         

Defensive Backs

2. USC
SC has had the Pac-10’s best pass defense two years running. There’s more than enough returning talent and former prep All-Americans to run that streak to three, although a few more interceptions would be nice. In Kevin Ellison and Taylor Mays, USC is home to a couple of hard-hitting enforcers with All-America potential. If Josh Pinkard is even close to where he was a couple of years ago, no program in the country will be able to match them at the position. Sure to get picked on early, Shareece Wright needs to give opposing quarterbacks a reason to not look to his side.

Defensive Lines

3. USC
Sedrick Ellis and Lawrence Jackson were two of the first 28 picks in April’s draft, yet the Trojans are going to be more than fine up front. Fili Moala and Everson Griffen are the new headliners of a front wall that’ll rely on a deeper group of players this fall. The Trojans are so quick and strong up front, opposing backs are rarely able to get to the second level. Of course, not that things get any easier there. Moala is going to make himself plenty of money this fall, and Griffen and Kyle Moore are big enough on the outside to be valuable assets in run support.

Linebackers

1. USC
Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing are a pair of NFL-ready linebackers still hanging around the Pac 10. Their presence will help ease the transition of Luthur Brown or Kaluka Maiava into the lineup, while giving the program a couple of intimidating defensive players who opposing coaches will have to account for every Saturday. Led by Maualuga and Cushing, this group has a nose for the football and a gift for fighting through blockers to get to the ball carrier. With the front seven that USC will be rolling out this year, the only tackles the safeties and corners make will be on completed passes.

Running Backs

6. USC
Even after Emmanuel Moody transferred to Florida, there isn’t a school in the nation that features four backs as talented as the ones in this backfield. The Trojans are basically injury-proof, meaning even if one or two players went on the shelf, the running game would survive. As is the case with many USC positions, Pete Carroll will be forced to do a juggling act to be sure that all of his gifted runners are well fed throughout the season.  It’s going to be a challenge.  While Joe McKnight is the star-in-waiting, Stafon Johnson might actually finish the year with the most carries.