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You would think that a position group that lost one of the nation's best receivers from a year ago and will feature a lot of new pieces will be a cause of concern for the USC Trojans. Think not. Although the Trojans lost Nelson Agholor, who had over 100 receptions and 1,300 yards in 2014, they return JuJu Smith who was named to numerous freshman all-american teams last year and have two junior college transfers who will step in and compete right away.
Smith had a great spring practice that culminated with a 100+ yard performance and one touchdown in the spring game and will be quarterback Cody Kessler's number one target. He is bigger and faster than last year and his hands have NFL scouts in awe. Steven Mitchell was one of the stars of spring practice and if he can stay healthy, could line up alongside Smith in the opener on September 5th. Mitchell had some nice grabs in the spring game and his elusive speed could have the Trojans use him in the slot. Darreus Rogers also will compete for first team reps. Rogers had four touchdowns last year. Also, my walk-on prediction of the year, Christian Tober will have a receiving touchdown in 2015. He had two in the spring game, his first live game action since breaking his collarbone in the Boston College game.
Now, the two junior college transfers who have both impressed during player-only practices this summer. De'Quan Hampton and Isaac Whitney will be easy to spot during fall camp as they are the two tallest wide receivers on the Trojans roster. Hampton is your prototypical big receiver who excels in one-on-one situations while Whitney has the size and speed to shine in his first year in cardinal and gold.
Dominic Davis, Isaiah Langley, and Ykili Ross all played receiver while in high school but will probably line up at their primary positions at the start of fall camp.
Oh, and you can't forget Adoree' Jackson. He can line up anywhere on the line and I am sure the Trojan coaching staff will have a lot of plays designed for the speedster.