USC Football: Projecting the 2015 Fall Camp Offensive Depth Chart

USC football wrapped up the No. 1 recruiting class on Wednesday with plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. That new influx of elite talent gives head coach Steve Sarkisian new weapons to play with, but USC must find a way to replace some pivotal losses at the skill positions.

Offense

Z-WR: JuJu Smith (So.), De’Quan Hampton (Jr.)X-WR: Isaac Whitney (R-Jr.), Darreus Rogers (Jr.)Y-WR: Steven Mitchell (So.), Adoree’ Jackson (So.)TE: Bryce Dixon (So.), Tyler Petite (Fr.)LT: Chad Wheeler (R-Jr.), Chris Brown (R-Fr.)LG: Toa Lobendahn (So.), Khaliel Rodgers (R-So.)C: Max Tuerk (Sr.), Toa Lobendahn (So.)RG: Viane Talamaivao (So.), Damien Mama (So.)RT: Zach Banner (R-Jr.), Viane Talamaivao (So.)QB: Cody Kessler (R-Sr.), Max Browne (R-So.)TB: Justin Davis (Jr.), Tre Madden (R-Sr.)FB: Soma Vainuku (R-Sr.), Jahleel Pinner (Sr.)

The biggest question mark on offense is how the Trojans’ offensive line will shape. USC played a pair of players –Toa Lobendahn and Max Tuerk– out of position in 2014, but on Wednesday, Steve Sarkisian sounded content with Tuerk continuing on as the Trojans’ center.

He even went as far to suggest that it might be Cole Smith that succeeds him down the line, and not Lobendahn or even Khaliel Rodgers, as long thought.

With Tuerk penciled in at center, the rest of the offensive line should slot in exactly as they did last year, giving the group extended continuity.

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Moving to the skill positions, the Trojans need to find a way to replace Nelson Agholor and George Farmer at receiver. Right on queue, in steps junior college transfers Isaac Whitney and De’Quan Hampton. Look for both to get plenty of looks early on.

In the slot, Steven Mitchell, Adoree’ Jackson and Ajene Harris should all see time, just like 2014. But look for Jackson to have more of a role this year than last, as there’s more depth at cornerback to allow him opportunities to play more offense.

Also, two-way freshmen Ykili Ross and Isaiah Langley could give the Trojans an extra boost of playmakers, though their impact might not immediate in fall camp due to Mitchell and Jackson.

After Bryce Dixon, the second tight end spot could go either way between Tyler Petite and Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick, but give Petite the slight edge for two reasons. One, Sarkisian called him the most important member of the 2015 recruiting class.

And two, Cope-Fitzpatrick missed all of last season due to academic ineligibility and only has three career catches to his name. If there’s a guy for Petite to beat out early, it could be JCF.

The tailbacks slot in all as expected after Buck Allen’s departure, with Justin Davis getting the edge over Tre Madden due to familiarity in the Sarkisian offense. As fall camp, and subsequently the season progress, freshmen backs Ronald Jones II, Dominic Davis and Aca’Cedric Ware will get their chances to touch the ball.

And of course, if Cody Kessler isn’t your projected starting quarterback at this point, there’s something majorly wrong with the Earth’s gravitational pull.

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