USC Football 2015: running backs preview

With USC's spring ball and winter workouts over, we can finally get a sense of how our 2015-2016 team will look this year. With hard hits, acrobatic catches, and unbelievable speed, the USC Trojans are aiming to compete with the elite of the Pac-12 and the nation. With so much news revolving around Mr.Everything Adoree' Jackson and the Trojans' talented group of receivers, we have overlooked a vital position: the running backs. With Javorius "Buck" Allen getting ready for draft day we are left only with one question: who will be his successor?

USC brings back experience in the backfield along with a recruiting class that can make an immediate impact. With Justin Davis and Tre Madden as frontrunners, the Trojans have major depth at the tailback position. Davis, a quick, darting runner, is coming off of a stellar sophomore campaign, tallying up 129 carries for 596 yards and four touchdowns. He was also used as a receiver from the backfield with 13 receptions for 92 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Throughout spring ball Davis showed the coaching staff why he should be the #1 running back shredding the defense, running with passion and determination. The Trojans will need Davis' impact this season but he is not the only one coming back with eyes on the starting job.

Tre Madden, a 6-1 225 lb redshirt senior, will be playing this season with a vengeance. Madden sat out the 2014 campaign with a turf toe injury he developed in fall camp. The hard down hill runner showed how much of a threat he can be in 2013, running for 703 yards on 138 carries with three touchdowns. Despite such a hot start to the beginning of his season, Madden was slowed down by a hamstring injury that made him miss Notre Dame, California, and Fresno State. Madden was limited this spring so he can be healthy for fall camp. With Madden coming back into the rotation the Trojans now have a physical, punishing runner in the backfield to wear down Pac-12 defenses.

Overall USC should not miss a step with Buck Allen leaving. Davis & Madden are both dangerous runners, the two are "Thunder & Lightning". They also can be used as receivers from the backfield and take a swing route for 50 yards to a touchdown. The two will be battling for the starting job with Davis ahead after his spring ball performance; as long as both are healthy they will play tremendously. Only time will tell for our beloved duo, stay tuned as USC enters summer workouts and fall camp.

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