USC Football: Trojan Freshman officially assigned jersey numbers
USC Football’s 2017 recruiting class are officially on the Trojan roster, with new numbers for the freshman class finally revealed.
USC Football released their 2017 media guide on Tuesday, officially unveiling the new roster with the complete list of new freshman numbers on display.
The five early enrollees who participated in spring camp already had their numbers set during spring camp, while some of the fall enrollees opted to show off their new numbers by posting pictures from USC’s Social Media Day photo shoot, but now fans can know exactly which jersey each of the newly minted Trojans will don this fall.
Several coveted single digit numbers have been bestowed including the No. 1 for five-star receiver Joseph Lewis. Though the media guide lists cornerback Jack Jones at No. 1 as well, the sophomore expressed a desire to change his number to 25 — a fact reflected in USC’s online roster.
Four-star safety Bubba Bolden will take over Adoree’ Jackson’s No. 2 jersey, while fellow safety Isaiah Pola-Mao will join sophomore receiver Michael Pittman wearing the No. 6.
Five-star running back Stephen Carr grabbed the No. 7, which was recently vacated by receiver Steven Mitchell in favor of the No. 4.
Four-star cornerback Greg Johnson and three-star receiver Randall Grimes both plan to carry on JuJu Smith-Schuster’s legacy in the No. 9 jersey.
Only one freshman will wear a number in the teens — four-star linebacker Levi Jones, who snapped up the No. 13 previously worn by receiver DeQuan Hampton.
Three-star cornerback Je’Quari Godfrey picked up Leon McQuay III’s No. 22 jersey as well.
Though already occupied by walk-on safety Richard Hagestad, four-star outside linebacker Hunter Echols scooped up the No. 31 jersey on defense.
Three-star linebacker Juliano Falaniko will wear No. 41 alongside walk-on receiver Milo Stewart.
With spring enrollee Tayler Katoa already owning the jersey on defense, four-star offensive lineman Jalen McKenzie will wear the No. 54 opposite him on offense.
Meanwhile, four-star center Brett Neilon will have the No. 62 all to himself after the transfer of lineman Khaliel Rodgers.
Jordan Simmons’ NFL departure opened the door for four-star lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker to take on the No. 68 jersey.
Five-star tackle Austin Jackson will hope to walk in Zach Banner’s footsteps in the No. 73, just as spring enrollee Andrew Voorhees took Chad Wheeler’s No. 72.
Four-star defensive tackle Jay Tufele will don the No. 78 opposite redshirt freshman offensive tackle Nathan Smith.
The No. 83 jersey will now be occupied by four-star tight end Josh Falo, with three-star tight end Erik Krommenhoek taking the No. 84.
Rounding out the freshman class, three-star defensive linemen Brandon Pili and Jacob Lichtenstein picked up the No. 91 and 97 respectively.
Here’s the complete list of new freshman numbers:
- Joseph Lewis: No. 1
- Bubba Bolden: No. 2
- Isaiah Pola-Mao: No. 6
- Stephen Carr: No. 7
- Randal Grimes: No. 9
- Greg Johnson: No. 9
- Jack Sears: No. 13*
- Levi Jones: No. 13
- Je’Quari Godfrey: No. 22
- Hunter Echols: No. 31
- Juliano Falaniko: No. 41
- Damon Johnson: No. 48*
- Marlon Tuipulotu: No. 51*
- Jalen McKenzie: No. 54
- Tayler Katoa: No. 54*
- Brett Neilon: No. 62
- Alijah Vera-Tucker: No. 68
- Andrew Voorhees: No. 72*
- Austin Jackson: No. 73
- Jay Tufele: No. 78
- Josh Falo: No. 83
- Erik Krommenhoek: No. 84
- Brandon Pili: No. 91
- Jacob Lichtenstein: No. 97
The new freshman numbers weren’t the only talking point from the new 2017 roster either.
Keyshawn “Pie” Young was confirmed taking over Isaac Whitney’s old No. 15 after wearing the No. 17 in 2016. He remains listed as a WR-CB on the roster after spending time at both positions over the course of his first year at USC.
Junior defensive lineman has officially made the switch over to offensive guard, changing his number from No. 92 to No. 52.
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As expected the No. 55 will remain unoccupied for the 2017 season.
Also confirmed and expected, kicker Matt Boermeester and defensive lineman Kevin Scott were listed among letterman lost for the coming season.
Boermeester was removed from the roster after a student-conduct issue back in January, shortly after he kicked the game-winning field goal in the Rose Bowl.
Scott recently announced his transfer for Arizona Western JC to continue his playing career elsewhere. He was ruled academically ineligible for the Rose Bowl and did not participate in spring camp.