Who Will Be USC Football’s Most Valuable Players in 2016?

USC football kicks off a tough 2016 schedule against No. 1 Alabama. Who will be looked at to provide MVP caliber impacts for the Trojans this season?

The Reign of Troy Team sat down for a roundtable of predictions for MVPs on both sides of the ball. Let’s start on offense…

Who will be USC’s offensive MVP?

Alicia de Artola: Ronald Jones II. In 2013 USC had a running back emerge to give the Trojan offense an identity down the stretch. That runner was Buck Allen and Jones could run with Allen stride for stride in terms of explosiveness. As a freshman he needed time to grasp the concepts necessary to become a running back as opposed to just a rusher. Now a sophomore, with a full spring and fall camp under his belt, it’s time for Jones to make the USC offense his, just as Allen did. While there are other great offensive weapons like JuJu Smith-Schuster or Max Browne who could vie for the crown, if Jones gets it the Trojans season as a whole will have been reasonable successful.

Michael Castillo: It’s unorthodox, but the MVP of USC’s offense should be whomever is the second-leading receiver. With a team stocked at running back, on the offensive line and with an All-American receiver talent like JuJu Smith-Schuster, it’s an insanely talented yet unproven wealth of receivers that needs to solidify what can be done on offense. Now’s the time for Darreus Rogers, Steven Mitchell, Deontay Burnett and so many others to step up and assert themselves as principle contributors. Otherwise, USC’s offense will only go as far as double coverage will allow.

Bryan Karbasi: Juju Smith-Schuster. Might as well give it to him now, because he’ll break Marqise’s single-season reception record, single-season receiving yards record, and is a legitimate threat to break the single-game receptions and yardage record, too. I legitimately think the success of this season rides significantly on him.

Bill Quimby: I think this will become a two horse race between JuJu Smith-Schuster and Ronald Jones. Right now, I lean more to Jones because of the run-first physical philosophy on offensive. Smith-Schuster is an absolute warrior who demands the ball and will get it. With a first year quarterback, looking off of him will be a real test. Plus, he could be double-teamed in most games. Therefore, I really like the explosive Jones to lead the charge behind an experienced offensive line.

Jordan Gettinger: Juju Smith-Schuster, because he will be a Biletnikoff Award finalist.

Who will be USC’s defensive MVP?

Alicia de Artola: Porter Gustin. In Clancy Pendergast’s system, aggression is key. However, aggression without results is recklessness. If the Trojans don’t get to the quarterback, whether logging sacks or forcing hurries, the secondary will be eaten alive in man-to-man coverage. Gustin is USC’s most potent pass rusher — he led the team in sacks last year despite playing behind Scott Felix for most of the year. With more time on the field and the green light to get after the quarterback, Gustin could be a one-man wrecking ball on coming off the edge. A big season from the sophomore, as expected, should yield MVP accolades.

Michael Castillo: Given the weight of his position –no pun intended– defensive lineman Stevie Tu’ikolovatu has the opportunity to be USC’s stabilizing force in a front seven lacking any sort of continuity. With experience at Utah, he can give a little spice to a defensive line ripe with talent but replacing the loss of five seniors. His should be able to take on defenders, create space for linemen like Rasheem Green, and ideally allowed Noah Jefferson and Jacob Daniel more time to get healthy and develop, respectively.

Bryan Karbasi: Iman Marshall. This is the season he cements himself as one of, if not the, best defensive back in USC history. I would pick Adoree’ Jackson, but he’s not as pure a defensive player as Marshall.

SEE MORE: Five Keys to Victory For USC vs. Alabama

Bill Quimby: As mentioned before, there is one player always at the right place, at the right time, while doing plenty with his opportunity. That would be edge rusher Porter Gustin. He added the muscle to his imposing frame, has the perfect defensive position as the Predator to be a high-impact player, and now has Clancy Pendergast as his defensive coordinator.

Jordan Gettinger: How about the new guy, Utah graduate transfer Stevie Tu’ikolovatu.