Countdown to USC training camp: Wide receivers

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 wide receivers.

Outside 1

6-Michael Pittman (6-4, 215, Sr)

2-Devon Williams (6-4, 205, So)

81-Kyle Ford (6-2, 210, Fr) OR

15-Drake London (6-5, 205, Fr)

Outside 2

21-Tyler Vaughns (6-2, 185, R-Jr)

2-Devon Williams (6-4, 205, So)

13-Munir McClain (6-4, 210) OR

14-Bru McCoy (6-3, 210)

Slot

8-Amon-Ra St. Brown (6-1, 195, So)

1-Velus Jones (6-0, 190, R-Jr)

87-John Jackson III (6-2, 200, Fr)

This was USC’s best unit in 2018 and every significant contributor returns. What’s more, they’re all motivated. Michael Pittman is eager to establish himself as one of the best wide receivers in the nation and a USC great. Tyler Vaughns wants to prove he’s better than a sophomore showing that saw him slightly regress from 2017. Those two are also eager to boost their draft stock, with the former playing out his final year of eligibility. Talk to Amon-Ra St. Brown and it’s clear he wasn’t impressed by his freshman campaign. Velus Jones lost his starting job and is back on the team after spending about four months in the transfer portal, including all of spring practice. Devon Williams hasn’t been shy about expressing his disappointment in a rookie season that resulted in just four receptions.

That they all stand to improve -- and they know it -- is a good problem to have. Even better is the fact they’re in an offense that will reward their talent and efforts. If USC’s actually going to approach passing the ball 60 percent of the time, they have the personnel to do so. Maybe, just maybe, they should throw even more.

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.