USC Football’s All-Pac-12 Projections for 2016

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Zach Banner, Adoree’ Jackson and Cameron Smith highlight USC football’s selections in Athlon Sports’ All-Pac-12 team projections for 2016.

USC football is projected to have four All-Pac-12 first team players in 2016, as chosen by Steve Lassan of Athlon Sports.

The Trojan first teamers include wide receiver JuJu Smith Schuster, offensive tackle Zach Banner, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and linebacker Cameron Smith, giving USC the second most selections by any single team in the conference. Utah and Washington both placed five with a special teams selection boosting them to the top.

Jackson made a second appearance as a second-team punt returner while cornerback Iman Marshall, offensive tackle Chad Wheeler, center Toa Lobendahn, and running back Ronald Jones II filled out USC’s second-team selections.

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Those nine first- and second-team selections are the most of any team, though UCLA leads all with 15 total selections. The Trojans checked in with 12, behind the Bruins and Washington’s 14.

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On the third-team, the Trojans placed guard Damien Mama. Running back Justin Davis and defensive lineman Rasheem Green sneaked in on the fourth-team.

If Lassan’s projections are correct, Smith-Schuster, Banner and Jackson would each achieve first team honors for the second consecutive year. Smith’s selection would be his first after earning an honorable mention as a freshman.

USC had five first-teamers on the end-of-season All-Pac-12 team in 2015 with defensive lineman Antwaun Woods and linebacker Su’a Cravens finishing out their careers as All-Pac-12 players. Tackle Chad Wheeler and defensive lineman Delvon Simmons made the second team alongside Jackson as a returner and fullback Soma Vainuku as a special teams players.