USC Football Mailbag: Who Will Be an Impact Freshman?

Which young players will become impact players? Is conference expansion a good idea? …Our weekly USC football mailbag seeks the answers.

Welcome to the Reign of Troy mailbag. This mailbag is a weekly feature, where we will answer your questions related to USC football.

If you have a question for the mailbag, send it in to @ReignOfTroy on Twitter or via email to reignoftroy@fansided.com.

Let’s get started:

What freshman or redshirt freshman will make the biggest impact this season?— Ralph Morales @askralphmorales

All of the incoming freshmen did not go through spring football, so we will have to go through the first several weeks of fall camp to make a full evaluation.

Freshman making an impact is not so much based on talent as it is on need; you may be a great player but if there is two-year starter returning he is unlikely to be unseated.

Based on last year, the Trojans need a solid number two option at receiver opposite Juju Smith-Schuster. The second leading receiver for the Men of Troy was Adoree Jackson, but he stated that his focus will be solely on defense and punt returns this coming season.

So, a player who could have an immediate impact is freshman receiver Michael Pittman.

Standing at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds and possessing great agility, he could become a solid option alongside Smith-Schuster, and give the Trojans a lethal redzone target as well.

In addition to Pittman, look for cornerback Jack Jones to make an impact, as well as Florida transfer Daniel Imathorbhebhe.

Of course, if Sam Darnold should win the quarterback competition, he will have a major impact on the success of the Trojans.

What would you think of the PAC-12 took UNLV, Nevada, Colorado State and Houston?— Dario @gordian2012

Two words: Bad idea

That is not to say that in and of itself the Pac-12 should not expand but if it does so it needs to be with teams that are Pac-12 level, meaning teams that could come in and compete for Pac-12 title immediately.

None of those teams fit the bill.

Yes, Houston had a good team last year and a great run, but it remains to be seen if that success can be sustained for several seasons.

The other schools, to sum it up, would make USC look weak if they scheduled them as non-conference opponents.

MORE MAILBAGS: Should USC Take a QB in the 2017 Recruiting Class?

The Pac-12 does need to do something about the network, however, if it wants to be recognized.

It is beyond ridiculous that many people cannot get the network, and also that it airs games so late — something which likely cost Christian McCaffery the Heisman Trophy last year.

What is the best-case scenario for USC this season?— Sheldon

Winning the Pac-12, going to the College Football Playoff, and winning the National Championship in a rematch with Alabama to prove the first win was not a fluke.

That is the best case scenario.

However, due to so much happening at USC over the past five years or so, there is just no way to really predict how it will play out.

More from Reign of Troy

The talent is there. USC has had the three top ten recruiting classes in the last three years. But talent will only get you eight or nine wins; coaching is what makes the championship difference.

This year, USC has a first-year, first-time head coach, a first-time offensive coordinator, and a new scheme on defense. They will also break in a brand new quarterback and a brand new defensive line.

We have no idea how injured players like Cameron Smith will be on their return. At this point we just have to wait for fall camp.

If I had to guess today, I think the Trojans will win nine games and win the Pac-12 South. From there, winning the Pac-12 title is a toss-up. USC could get to double-digit wins with a bowl victory.

USC Football Mailbag: Who Will Be an Impact Freshman?

Which young players will become impact players? Is conference expansion a good idea? …Our weekly USC football mailbag seeks the answers.

More from Reign of Troy

Schedule

Schedule