93 days to USC football: Everson Griffen was last to flash in No. 93

USC football has just 93 days until the 2019 season kicks off. Who is the best Trojan to don the currently unclaimed No. 93 jersey? It may be Everson Griffen.

It’s time to tick off the 93rd day until USC football returns to the Coliseum floor.

Before the Trojans suit up to face off with Fresno State on August 31, we’re looking at the past, present and future of every USC jersey.

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On this Thursday, it’s the No. 93:

Who wore it best?

Everson Griffen was an outstanding No. 93 for USC from 2007 through 2009.

As evidenced by his solid pro career, Griffen had all the talent of the stellar defensive lineman produced during the Pete Carroll era.

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From the beginning, great things were expected of Griffen, who joined USC as the No. 9 prospect in the class of 2007.

It didn’t take long for him to prove his worth. He was named a Freshman All-American thanks to his 5.5 sacks on the season, plus two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and two deflections.

The strength and depth of USC’s defensive front, as well as his own inconsistency, limited Griffen to three starts as a sophomore. He did deliver with six tackles for loss including 4.5 sacks for the year.

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Finally coming into his own as a junior, Griffen was a force in the trenches. He led the team with eight sacks, while adding his 9.5 tackles for loss in total.

Unfortunately, he never got to reach his greatest heights at the college level. He opted to declare for the NFL Draft as a junior, with his top individual honor being an All-Pac-10 second team selection.

He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, where he remains after nine seasons. He has been to three Pro Bowls in his career.

Who wears it now?

The jersey was held by Liam Jimmons, but his switch to the offensive side of the ball meant giving up the No. 93 in favor of a more offensive line-suitable No. 71.

Jimmons had decent potential at defensive tackle. Though he was dogged by a case of turf toe, he had 2.5 tackles for loss, including one sack, in 2018. However, it always seemed unlikely he would challenge Griffen for the crown in the No. 93 jersey.

For now, the shirt sits empty, waiting for a new player to claim it.

Stats to know: 93

• Offensive guard Roy Foster was USC’s 93rd All-American, getting the consensus nod in 1981, the same season as running back Marcus Allen and linebacker Chip Banks.
• USC’s first ever NFL draftee was tackle Gil Kuhn in 1937. He was selected by the Brooklyn Dodgers with the 93rd pick overall. In 2006 tight end Dominque Byrd was picked 93rd overall by the Rams. Cody Kessler became the third Trojan to go 93rd overall in 2016, landing with the Browns.
• Nelson Agholor’s career-best punt return was 93 yards in 2013 against Cal, when he took two different kicks back for touchdowns.
• Greg Slough led USC in tackles in 1969 with 93 stops.
• USC bested Knute Rockne and Notre Dame for the first time en route to their first national title in 1928. Quarterback “Dynamite” Don Williams rushed for 93 yards in that game, wile passing for 111 yards and two touchdowns.