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One of the positions that has caught my eye entering spring practice next week is the wide receiving corp. In a move that some expected, Nelson Agholor chose to forgo his senior season and enter the 2015 NFL Draft.
Agholor led the team with 104 receptions for 1,313 yards and 12 touchdowns last season and his loss could drastically affect where Cody Kessler distributes the rock, without the services of his favorite wide out.
After multiple injury plagued seasons, George Farmer also entered the NFL Draft. Farmer was supposed to be the best athlete to come out of Serra but just didn't pan out at USC. The Trojans will be young at wide receiver next year, but one junior college receiver could make a huge impact this spring.
RETURNING PLAYERS
JuJu Smith had a terrific freshman year, finishing the season with 54 receptions for 724 yards and five touchdowns. His 123 receiving yards were a Trojan record by a true freshman in his debut. It has been reported that Smith has become one of the team leaders during offseason workouts and has gained more muscle.
I expect Smith to continue to "wow" folks during spring practice. With the loss of George Farmer, could this be Darreus Rogers' time to shine as a Trojan? Rogers did have four touchdowns last year but only had 21 receptions on the season and in some games, Rogers made little to no impact. The junior will now have a great opportunity to solidify his spot atop the depth chart if he can improve his catch -to- drop ratio and stay healthy.
USC also has Ajenne Harris and Steven Mitchell, who are itching for more playing time. He will be pretty occupied with track and field but will Adoree' Jackson practice with the offense at times this spring? Jackson is so explosive, the Trojan coaching staff could create more plays for him.
NEW WIDEOUT TO WATCH
Isaac Whitney is an early-enrollee for the Trojans from Riverside Community College and will have two years of eligibility remaining. At 6-foot-4, 195 pounds, Whitney brings both size and speed to the Trojans and I am interested to see how he performs in spring practice. He could make an immediate impact next year and it all starts with how he does during spring ball. He has been working out with Smith and other wide receivers during offseason workouts. That could be a lethal tandem next year: Smith on one side and Whitney on the other. Both have great speed and good size.