Freshmen are making waves!
This seems like a fitting slogan for the USC football team, especially after the first depth chart was unveiled Wednesday night, highlighting five potential starters from their top-notch incoming freshman class.
Among them, freshman tight end Mark Bowman, defensive end Luke Wafle, and wide receivers Trent Mosley and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt have all secured starting spots. Additionally, freshman cornerback Elbert “Rock” Hill IV is listed as a possible starter, sharing the spot with redshirt sophomore Chasen Johnson.
Even if Johnson gets the starting role, it’s evident that USC’s freshmen will play a significant part when the No. 14 Trojans face San Jose State at the Coliseum on Saturday afternoon.
Coach Lincoln Riley alluded to the impact of the freshman receivers, especially following an injury to Tanook Hines that limited his training camp involvement. Earlier this week, he expressed high expectations for the newcomers.
“We’ve seen enough out of these guys that no matter who else is playing they’re going to play and have their opportunity to contribute and affect the game,” Riley noted. “In terms of what we want to see from them, it’s just to do what they’ve been doing on the practice field – keeping the moment simple and they’ve been consistent at it.”
“Several of these guys have shown a veteran-like presence in the team with their consistent performances and playmaking abilities; they just need to transfer that onto the field in games, and I really have no doubt they will.”
Other true freshmen included in the two-deep chart are wide receiver Ethan “Boobie” Feaster; offensive linemen Vlad Dyakonov and Breck Kolojay; linebacker Talanoa Ili; and safety Madden Riordan.
As anticipated, Tobias Raymond is set to make his debut as a starter at center after Kilian O’Connor’s season-ending injury suffered during training camp. Alex VanSumeren and Jide Abasiri are expected to start at defensive tackle following Jahkeem Stewart’s recent foot injury.
Interestingly, the Trojans have not named a single starter at running back, which is perhaps sensible given the talent of their top two choices, Waymond Jordan and King Miller, both listed with the “OR” designation. There’s also no clear backup quarterback, as both Sam Huard and Jonas Williams are listed as options.
Kicker Caden Chittenden has come out on top in a close contest for field goals against Ryon Sayeri. Sayeri had filled in last season for Chittenden after he sustained an injury during training camp.
Riley mentioned Chittenden’s determination, noting that Sayeri had an outstanding season, successfully making 21 out of 25 field goals, thereby setting a new school record for the most made in a single season.
“I think 99.9% of players probably would have transferred out after that situation,” Riley commented. “But he chose to stay at USC and compete, which speaks volumes about him.”
Sayeri will be handling kickoffs as the designated starter.
Riley is scheduled to address the media again on Thursday morning and is likely to face questions about the influx of young talent on his team.
