Why Max Browne Will Win USC’s Starting Job in the Spring

Max Browne and Sam Darnold will battle to becoming USC’s starting quarterback this spring, but Browne holds the edge in three key areas which will see him win the job.

In 2016, USC will begin its audition for who will lead the men of Troy against Alabama and beyond. The two principle players will be former five-star recruit Max Browne and former four-star recruit Sam Darnold, although converted wide receiver Jalen Greene will be given an opportunity as will true freshman early enrollee Matt Fink.

While the possibility of the latter two being named the starting QB exists, it seems clear from greater experience levels and in the voluntary leave of Ricky Town last fall that the competition will be centered on Browne and Darnold with Greene and Fink sitting on the outside looking in.

Both have different stories as well as different playing styles. Browne was the Gatorade National Player of the Year at Skyline High School. He signed alongside Su’a Cravens and others in the 13 man class of 2013, the last class signed by Lane Kiffin.

Known for his strong arm, good instincts, and careful nature, he was seen as a serious candidate to replace Matt Barkley, but that job would eventually go to Cody Kessler, who led the Trojans to a 10-4 season in 2013.

When Steve Sarkisian was named head coach after the conclusion of the 2013 season, Browne was given another opportunity to win the starting job in the spring. However, just like in politics, it is very difficult to unseat the incumbent and Browne was given the backup job.

However, he showed his mettle by staying put rather than transferring, gaining weight and strength, and quietly doing the small things to get better. He has emerged as the leader of the team now that Kessler is gone, leading workouts and being the voice of the team. It would seem that all signs point to him eventually being not only the starter, but a captain of the team.

Like in the other instances though, Browne will not simply be handed the job; he will have to earn it.

Sep 26, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Max Browne (4) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Darnold was not spoken of much when he signed last year due to the attention given to Iman Marshall, Porter Gustin, Rasheem Green, and John Houston. Following President Theodore Roosevelt’s mantra of speaking quietly and carrying a big stick, upon his arrival in the fall Darnold was so impressive that it convinced fellow four-star recruit and signee Ricky Town to transfer to Arkansas.

With his strong arm and quick feet, it is not hard to see why. And Darnold is not simply going to wait until Browne moves on to get his chance; he is going to give Browne a fight.

Be that as it may, there are at least three reasons to believe that not only will Browne win the fight, he will win it early enough to be named the starter before the end of the spring.

First, there’s knowledge of the scheme.

While the Trojans may have a new coordinator in Tee Martin, Clay Helton has said on more than one occasion that he wants to stick with a pro-style concept rather moving towards the spread like Sarkisian was pursuing. This is a plus for Browne because at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, he is a near clone of Super Bowl winning QB Peyton Manning, and is built for this type of system.

While the arrival of coaches like Tyson Helton will bring more wrinkles to the offense, don’t expect it to look like an Oregon read option. With his fourth year in the system, expect Browne to have no problem with the playbook

Secondly, there’s skill set.

Darnold may be the better athlete of the two, but Browne is the better quarterback. He has a stronger arm, a better deep ball, better touch, more zip, better field awareness.

While being a good athlete is a plus in a spread system, it is not needed as much in a pro-style system. What is needed in a pro-style system is the ability to read defenses, make check downs when necessary, and being able to stretch the field vertically with the ball. Browne bests Darnold in each category.

Also, while Darnold is the more fleet of foot, do not mistake Browne as being immobile. He has the quickness to pick up first downs with his feet and to throw well on the run.

Finally, there’s trust of the team.

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A quarterback’s ability to get the team rallied around him is sometimes underrated. This is especially true when attempting to mount a drive to potentially win the game.

As addressed earlier, Browne already has the trust of the team, most of whom expect him to be the man this fall. This is something that will be difficult for Darnold to earn with his use and generally soft-spoken nature. If the team doesn’t know you well and trust you completely, you won’t win many football games, especially the close ones.

While it will be an open competition this fall, expect Browne to be named the starter within the first three weeks and for new offensive coordinator Tee Martin to build his offense around Browne’s skill set.

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