How will USC Football replace nine lost starters in 2018?

Ronald Jones II | Running Back

On top of being one of the nation’s top running backs, Ronald Jones II solidified himself as one of the best rushers is USC Football’s illustrious history. Yet the Trojans have a clear replacement

What’s being replaced?

• 1,550 yards and 19 TDs on 261 attempts with 5.94 ypc
• USC’s leading rusher 2017
• Pro Football Focus All-American First Team
• All-Pac-12 First Team
• Fourth on USC’s career rushing list

Who can replace him?

This one is easy. Stephen Carr is the heir apparent to Jones II after impressing in his debut season.

Carr finished with just 363 yards and three touchdowns, but his season was shortened by a foot injury which held him out for four weeks in October and continued to limit him into November.

His bright September was proof enough of how he can be the featured back for the Trojans as a sophomore.

Granted, it won’t actually be easy to fill the void left by Jones II, but Carr is already ahead of schedule when it comes to all-around game as a rusher, pass catcher and blocker. Where Jones II needed time to settle in as a sophomore, Carr should be ready to hit the ground running.

And he’ll have help. Senior back Aca’Cedric Ware’s 122-yard cameo against Arizona helped put into context what an embarrassment of riches USC has at the running back position. Throw in Vavae Malepeai as another gifted rotation option and the Trojan rushing attack should have the firepower to survive Jones II’s departure.

Prediction: Stephen Carr