Countdown to USC training camp: Tailbacks

Welcome to our training camp preview series in which we’re breaking down the depth chart, key competitions, best and worst-case scenarios and newcomers to watch. We continue with tailbacks.

29-Vavae Malepeai (6-0, 210, R-Jr) OR

7-Stephen Carr (6-0, 205, Jr)

30-Markese Stepp (6-0, 230, R-Fr)

23-Kenan Christon (5-10, 185, Fr)

USC is coming off one of the worst rushing seasons in its storied history. The 2018 squad failed to amass 100 yards five times and averaged less than four yards on seven occasions. Then there was the Texas game, which saw the Trojans finish with minus-5 yards on 16 attempts. All that didn’t fall on the actual backs, but there was blood on everyone’s hands nonetheless. Vavae Malepeai experienced a mini breakout, leading the team in scoring and topping 75 yards in three games. Stephen Carr was hampered by injuries for the second consecutive year and was inconsistent when available. Markese Stepp saw limited action as a redshirt but his promising spring suggests he'll be a factor in 2019.

Gone are OC Tee Martin and unheralded senior Aca’Cedric Ware, whose 6.6 YPC was the highest figure for a USC leading rusher in seven years. Tim Drevno is now the OL coach, making Mike Jinks the Trojans’ fifth different RBs coach in five seasons. Jinks, though, is a veteran of the Air Raid, and Graham Harrell’s most recent offenses have been productive if not spectacular on the ground. He’s also shown a commitment to running the ball. Clay Helton revealed in spring the plan is to run the ball about 40 percent of the time, which would be the lowest mark in school history. Given USC’s firepower in the passing game, that could prove to be a conservative estimation.

SIGN UP FOR FULL PREMIUM ACCESS WITH OUR BEST DEAL YET:

TrojanSports.com is running its best deal of the year. Sign up for a FREE TRIAL THROUGH THE END OF AUGUST with access to all of our premium content, including the most up-to-date breaking news, thorough daily recruiting coverage, exclusive features and podcasts along with our popular message board.

---> CLICK HERE to take advantage of this special deal (use promo code USC2019), and to sweeten the offer, those who continue beyond the free trial will receive an extra month on a monthly subscription or an EXTRA SIX MONTHS for an annual subscription.