In the days before spring practice begins Tuesday, TrojanSports.com is previewing each USC position group. We continue with wide receivers.
ROSTER
Returning: Michael Pittman, Sr.; Tyler Vaughns, RS Jr.; Amon-Ra-St. Brown, So.; Devon Williams, So.
Lost: Randal Grimes; Keyshawn Young; Trevon Sidney; Josh Imatorbhebhe; Velus Jones; Bru McCoy
Added: John Jackson III
Arriving in summer: Kyle Ford; Drake London; Munir McClain
KEY QUESTIONS
1. How many receivers will USC roll out regularly in the Air Raid?
2. Will a go-to receiver emerge?
3. How will the room respond to losing six receivers in one offseason?
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
Vaughns vs. Williams: Given how many tight ends are on the roster, and how few receivers, USC's base personnel will likely feature three wideouts. Vaughns went into last season thought to be the team’s top option. That didn’t materialize, however, as he had just one more reception and 135 fewer yards than in his breakout 2017 campaign. He even briefly lost his starting job, though he finished the year tied for the team lead in TD catches (6). Williams enters spring as a heavy underdog to win a starting job. He was the Trojans’ best receiver in their win versus Oregon State, hauling in three balls for 77 yards, including a 41-yard TD. Of course, it was the only game in which he got significant run. Like Jack Sears, his performance left you curious and encouraged.
BREAKDOWN
This was USC’s best position group in 2018, by a good margin, and projects to be so again this season. Pittman and St. Brown were two of the Trojans’ best players (on either side of the ball) and Vaughns is among the team’s better starters. The lone criticism of the trio was a lack of individual consistency, although that was largely tied to QB play.
Pittman and Vaughns maybe weren’t quite as sure-handed as they were the previous season, but their penchant for making plays that others can’t made them viable NFL prospects. Both opted to return in hopes of improving their draft stock, which was the smart move. Vaughns still has two years of eligibility, but like Pittman, might be approaching this season like it’s his last at USC.
