USC Football 2015: WR Steven Mitchell continues to improve

After Nelson Algholor had a breakout season last year for the Trojans, it was clear to coaches and fans that it will be soon they would say goodbye. The talented junior was drafted to the Eagles in the first round and will go on to be a big contributor to Chip Kelly's offense. That leaves the Trojans' wide receiver coach Tee Martin and fans looking for who will step up and fill that role this upcoming season. With a young, deep, and talented unit of receivers headlined by JuJu Smith, it seems like the Trojans have found their answer. Don't assume too fast, there's a very familiar face that is making his presence felt.

Steven Mitchell showed early signs of promise earlier this year, when he dominated in spring ball. The redshirt sophomore had seven catches for 90 yards in the spring ball game and showed his teammates and coaching staff what he is capable of doing on the gridiron. Going into summer workouts Mitchell looks like the guy that will be starting alongside Smith for the 2015 season. Most importantly, Mitchell is finally healthy after two long years.

The Pasadena native has been held out of competing on the field due to a knee injury his freshman year and a groin injury that limited him all of last year's off season. When he finally returned, Mitchell found himself low on the depth chart playing in 11 games. Despite seeing action in almost every game he only registered seven receptions for 82 yards and a pair of touchdowns. After experiencing such a dimmed spot in his career Mitchell has proven his worth and climbed back to the top of the charts, where he originally started.

This summer Mitchell continues to build, running crisp routes, separating himself from defenders, and making big plays. At 5'10 185 pounds Mitchell can play slot like Agholor and can catch short passes to make big gains. Mitchell is getting plenty of reps and making the best of them, playing in the slot, wide out, and even catching balls out the backfield. If Mitchell can continue to stay healthy and improve throughout the remainder of the off-season, we will be witnessing a PAC-12 breakout player before our eyes.