There’s no getting around the awful year USC had in 2012. After an impressive 2011 campaign, the Trojans took several steps back last year. The poor 2012 called for drastic changes and Kiffin has brought in a whole new staff, including a new defensive coordinator.

The Trojans are loaded with talent, but this is nothing new. Many of these players will be first-year guys expected to make an immediate contribution. Most importantly, USC will have to rely on a new gunslinger with the departure of Matt Barkley to the NFL.

Regardless of who ends up slinging the rock, USC will need to improve on last year’s defense. The secondary was atrocious and ultimately led to the ‘retirement’ of Monte Kiffin. Monte is now ‘retired’ with the Dallas Cowboys and the Trojans have brought in ex-Cal DC Clancy Pendergast. Pendergast has installed a new ‘52’ defense and brought with him an aggressive style of play. Will it be enough to get the Trojans back on track after last year?

Let’s take a look at the USC question marks heading into the 2013 season.

Secondary

Few things have as many holes as USC’s secondary had in 2011. Acting more like a sieve than a line of defense, the Trojan secondary was among the worst in the league. Poor corner play and injuries plagued the Trojans. The secondary was so bad, the Trojans basically revamped the entire system after the season was over.

Enter Pendergast and his ‘52’ defense. Clancy has immediately shifted things around and moved guys to more natural positions. Having a recruiting class with Su’a Cravens, Leon McQuay, and Michael Hutchings hasn’t hurt Pendergast in his transition, either.

The Trojans are still messing with where guys will play in fall camp. Right now the Trojans have Su’a playing safety alongside Dion Bailey. It’s likely that Torin Harris will be back at corner after a sub-par 2012. Playing opposite Bailey will likely be Anthony Brown, but it’s possible that the Trojans will use Josh Shaw in various situations.

With as many options as the Trojans have with their personnel, it’s likely that the coaching staff will be mixing it early on to see how guys react to game situations. Plenty of guys on this Trojan defense could play corner or safety. The Trojans also have several guys who can play nickel, if the situation or injuries require that.

The secondary had a rough spring, but has turned it on as fall camp has begun. There have been several days where the coaching staff has given a defensive player the player of the day and several times that the defense claimed top honors. The look of this Trojan secondary is beginning to take shape, but fans should expect to see some moving and shifting as the season progresses.

 

Quarterback

There can be no question that the biggest unknown for USC in 2013 will be the quarterback position. The Trojans have three guys competing for the coveted position, but it’s become pretty clear that this is now a two horse race. Cody Kessler and Max Wittek have separated themselves from the pack. Max Browne has been impressive, but he’s just not ready to compete with those two.

As of right now, Browne has dropped out of the race. He is now spending most of his time with the scout team and will likely be given a red-shirt, depending on the outcome of the race. The good news for Browne is that he looks very mature for a young kid and will likely be the future of USC. He’s also been working with the Trojans’ strength and conditioning coach, Aaron Ausmus, to put more meat on his frame. He’s certainly done a fantastic job of that and he will probably fill out into his frame by this time next year.

But next year is next year and fans want to know who the guy will be this year. Right now the edge would have to go to Cody Kessler. He’s had the stronger spring, making fewer mistakes and tossing fewer picks. Kessler has had trouble with the footwork drills, but has been far more consistent than Wittek has.

Wittek continues to show that he has an impressive arm, but the game doesn’t seem to slow down for him as much as it does Cody. Wittek has primarily moved over with the 2’s and Kessler is getting the majority of the reps with the first team. This race is still very close and couple bad days could have Cody working with the 2’s while Max gets a shot with the 1’s.

Kessler seems to control the huddle better than Wittek. He’s also much more of a game-manager who knows when to make a big play. Wittek was probably the favorite to be USC’s next QB after last season. Instead, Kessler, the kid from Bakersfield, has come right in and established himself as the guy to beat. This race is far from over, but I would project Kessler to be the starter when the Trojans head to Hawaii.

Wide Receivers

Marqise Lee will lead the pack here, but the race has been on for the coveted #2 and #3 receiver spots. Unfortunately for USC, Steven Mitchell and George Farmer are lost for the year after major injuries in practice. Compounding matters, Lee left practice with an injury yesterday. The Trojans have yet to issue the final word on Lee’s status, but reports are optimistic.

Nelson Agholor has emerged as the clear #2 receiver after a dazzling spring and fall. The Florida standout has shown an impressive ability to create plays in space. Agholor has also emerged as a team leader, taking a more vocal role with the team. Kiffin also confirmed that Darreus Rogers has earned the #3 spot. 

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For more USC analysis and commentary, follow Josh on Twitter @FightOnTwist.

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