Reign of Troy
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2016 USC Football Spring Preview: Cornerback

By Alicia de Artola

Dec 30, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Austin Traylor (46) is tackled by USC Trojans cornerback Iman Marshall (8) during the second quarter in the 2015 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Austin Traylor (46) is tackled by USC Trojans cornerback Iman Marshall (8) during the second quarter in the 2015 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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USC football returns both starting cornerbacks for 2016, but spring practice will feature plenty of opportunities for key back ups to establish their place in the pecking order.

With USC football’s 2016 spring camp due to begin next week, it’s time to look forward to preparations for the new season.

New defensive backs coach Ronnie Bradford inherits a supremely talented cornerback group, though one somewhat lacking in depth.

With the likes of Adoree’ Jackson and Iman Marshall leading the way, there is every reason to believe the Trojans could field one of their best cornerback duos in school history. However, finding a replacement for Kevon Seymour as the third choice corner could be key to the overall success of USC’s defense in 2016.

Cornerback

Departing (1): Kevon SeymourReturning (4): Adoree’ Jackson, Isaiah Langley, Jonathan Lockett, Iman MarshallEarly Enrollees (0): N/AIncoming Freshmen (2): Jack Jones, Keyshawn Young

USC had just one senior at the cornerback position in 2015, so there is relatively little turnover at the position this spring.

After a freshman All American season, Iman Marshall will be back for his second season with the Trojans, but this will be his first taste of spring camp.

No. 1 corner Adoree’ Jackson, however, will not participate in spring practice as he focuses on track and his attempt to qualify for the US Olympic team.

That leaves the Trojans with just three scholarship cornerbacks set to participate.

Junior Jonathan Lockett has served as a back up for two seasons and now stands as one of the most experienced players in the unit, even making two starts last year and tallying 18 tackles.  Sophomore Isaiah Langley saw increasing action in the second half of his freshman season in 2015, logging 12 tackles in 11 games of action.

With Marshall’s starting job all but assured, both Lockett and Langley will be competing to fill the vacancy left by Seymour as they stand in for Jackson during the spring.

Considering the low numbers the Trojans could try safeties like Ykili Ross or early entrant C.J. Pollard at cornerback for the time being. Even Leon McQuay, whose place at safety has been tenuous, would be an interesting experiment in that spot.

Participation from walk-ons like Jalen Jones and Kevin Carrasco will be a boost.

Biggest Battle: Jonathan Lockett vs. Isaiah Langley

Lockett has the upper hand with more experience, but Langley showed well in his freshman year and could make further strides this spring.

The most important part of the battle is the fall arrival of five-star athlete Jack Jones.

Like Jackson and Marshall before him, Jones will be in the running to earn significant playing time as a true freshman. But with playing time distribution being a zero-sum game, it will be essential for Lockett and Langley to make an early impression on Bradford before Jones has a chance to make his mark.

Most to Gain: Jonathan Lockett

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Lockett has slowly but surely built his contributions to the Trojan defense up over the last two years. Now, with Seymour out of the picture and Jackson’s focus split, the 2016 season stands as the chance for him to establish himself as a key member of rotation.

In order to do that he’ll have to make the most of spring camp, but the opportunity to do so is even more open than expected with Jackson’s absence.

Most to Lose: Adoree’ Jackson

Jackson is a supremely gifted athlete, but his versatility may be a curse as he takes time away from football to pursue his Olympic dreams.

There’s no doubt that Jackson’s starting job will remain open for him when he comes back for fall camp, whether or not that return is delayed by a Team USA bid.

Still, football still requires dedication to master and Jackson already has a great deal on his plate as a three-way player.

If the adage about being a jack of all trades and a master of none rings true, Jackson will certainly be behind the eight-ball on his preparations for what will almost certainly be his final season with the Trojans in 2016.

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