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When the All Pac-12 selections released on Tuesday afternoon, not a single USC Trojan appeared on the first team. It marks the first time since 2000 that a USC player didn’t make the first team all Pac-12 team per Joey Kaufman of the OC Register. A sign of the Trojans struggles which led to a 5-7 season and missing a bowl game.
For the first time since 2000, USC did not have any players named to the All-Pac-12 first team.
— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) December 4, 2018
USC did have 5 players selected to the All Pac-12 second team in cornerback Iman Marshall, linebackers Cameron Smith and Porter Gustin, defensive lineman Jay Tufele, and offensive tackle Chuma Edoga. Nickleback Ajene Harris, safety Marvell Tell, center Toa Lobendahn, and wide receivers Tyler Vaughns and Michael Pittman Jr represented the Trojans as All Pac-12 honorable mentions.
Arguments could be made for players such as Iman Marshall and Porter Gustin. Marshall had an outstanding senior season. The senior cornerback effectively shutdown many toughest and top receivers in the conference and broken up nine passes. Unfortountely for Marshall, his stats took a hit due to the limited amount of passes thrown to his side. He was also responsible for a decent amount of penalties which included a costly one against Cal.
Gustin on the other hand was third in the conference in sacks with seven. Those seven was also a team lead despite only playing in six games due to a season ending injury. The senior linebacker was very valuable to the Trojans pass rush and they managed to create pressure in the backfield, however when he went down or missed the first half of the Washington State game that's where the pass rush would disappear. If it wasn’t for Gustin breaking his ankle during the Colorado game, then without a doubt he would make first team All Pac-12.