USC Football: Who Will Lead Trojans in Tackles?

Going into the 2015 USC football season, one of the biggest storylines has revolved around how the Trojans will replace key starters lost to the NFL.RELATED: 50 Greatest Trojans of the Last 50 Years

That includes linebacker Hayes Pullard, defensive lineman Leonard Williams and safety Gerald Bowman. Together, they made 247 tackles in 2014, ranking first, second and fourth on the team.

Returning however, is one of the nation’s top linebackers in Su’a Cravens, along with senior Anthony Sarao. Two-and-half-year starter Lamar Dawson is also back in the fold, though he hasn’t played in two years and has been limited in fall camp due to a battle with cracked ribs. Will one of them emerge as USC’s tackle leader?

Our staff at Reign of Troy offered some picks on who will lead the way for the defense, expanding on our game by game predictions, which were posted last Tuesday. Here’s what we had to say:

Which USC football player will lead the team in tackles?

Alicia de Artola: Lamar DawsonUSC’s middle linebacker is usually near or at the top of the tackle charts, so Dawson is as safe a bet as any to lead the team should he return to the lineup soon after cracking ribs in fall camp. Su’a Cravens would be the sexy pick, but teams will probably try to steer clear of him.

Michael Castillo: Su’a CravensWhile Sarao has the most tackles of any returning player, Cravens looks to play a more expanded role this season, in addition to progressing to a higher level of play in his third season. He had 68 tackles a year ago, just six fewer than Sarao, leading me to believe he can eclipse the senior’s total this year.

Max Meyer: Anthony SaraoHard to pick anyone else over the top middle linebacker on USC.

Nick Cox: Anthony SaraoAnthony Sarao will likely be the lead middle line backer this year, and typically that is the position with the most tackles. He already had over 70 tackles last year, and with Hayes Pullard graduated, it’s very reasonable to believe that Sarao will pickup the slack.

Trenise Ferreira: Su’a Cravens

Nick Conley: Su’a Cravens

Dustin Jacobs: Anthony Sarao

Who will lead USC in tackles?

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