17 for '17: Vavae Malepeai
Our countdown of USC’s most intriguing players to watch in spring practice continues. Note: This is a list of guys who have the most to gain and are best positioned to do so.
For each player, we examine the depth chart, back story, outlook, key questions and how their role could swing in spring.
***
14. VAVAE MALEPEAI
Profile: 6-0, 190, redshirt freshman
Current pecking order: He is part of a stable of tailbacks vying to complement feature back Ronald Jones II.
Background: USC snatched Malepeai from Oregon in the 11th hour of the 2016 recruiting season, making his inclusion a double victory of sorts. He had a nice start to training camp last fall before breaking his scapula, which effectually put him on track to redshirt. For what it’s worth, Coach Clay Helton sung Malepeai’s praises a few times and said he would have played last season had he not been injured for so long. He made a full return to practice about midway through the season and showed he might ultimately be just as valuable a receiver out of the backfield as a runner. Even with limited reps — he worked almost exclusively with the scout team — it became evident the quarterbacks liked throwing to him.
Outlook: After Jones, things are wide open at tailback. Aca’Cedric Ware should be considered the clubhouse leader at this point for the No. 2 spot. But his role is far from established heading into spring. Helton and offensive coordinator Tee Martin know what they have in Ware and fellow rising junior Dominic Davis; Malepeai is the wildcard. He’s a shifty runner who appeared comfortable running both outside and between the tackles. He’s also probably the most well-rounded of all the backs on the current roster, although there’s more to see from him as a pass-blocker. Spring is an important time for the entire trio beyond Jones, as top prospect Stephen Carr will get his fair share of touches once he arrives in the summer. Carr is thought to be even more of an all-purpose back, so Malepeai has to make a case for himself starting now. If USC emphasizes the tailbacks more in the passing game, a definite possibility given all the uncertainty at receiver, Malepeai could prove to be a real weapon. Moreover, it will likely take a couple guys aside from Jones to account for the loss of Justin Davis in the backfield.
Key questions: How physically mature and mentally prepared is he? Will he stand out before Carr shows up? Is he more than a third-down back in this offense?
Swing potential: The ceiling, as it is for all the reserve tailbacks, is Jones’ backup. The floor for Malepeai is just being on special teams.
***
17 FOR '17
Not a TrojanSports subscriber? Sign up and gain unlimited access to the most in-depth coverage of USC football and recruiting and our premium message board. CLICK HERE