USC Trojans Season Preview Q and A with ReignofTroy

I recently had an opportunity to chat with Trenise Ferreira of the excellent Trojans site Reignoftroy. Here’s a preview of the draft Trojans draft prospects and overall pre-season preview.

1). Who is currently projected to go in the first round for the Trojans?

1. USC is very likely to have yet another strong draft class at the end of the 2012 season. As of now, it looks like Matt Barkley will undoubtedly be a first rounder. After the way he commanded the troops in the 2011 season, it is clear that he has developed into the type of QB teams want to coach. A national title run and/or a Heisman trophy will only enhance his stock. Center Khaled will also probably be a first rounder.

Some other guys to look for to improve their stock are T.J. McDonald, Nickell Robey, and Robert Woods. McDonald will have to improve his cover skills and show that he can react quicker in certain situations, while Woods will have to separate from DBs this year and make some big-time, leaping catches. Robey, one of the best shut-down corners in the PAC-12 just needs to keep showing his quickness and aggression and his future will be bright.

2). Of the current Trojans in the N.F.L. who have not yet made their mark which do you think are poised for big seasons?

2. Over the past few seasons we have seen many a top flight athlete from Troy fizzle out at the pro level. Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart, some of the most famous Trojans of the 2000s, are shells of their former selves. And Taylor Mays, a safety out of USC in 2009 is probably one of the biggest busts in USC history. There’s also LB Rey Maualuga, Carson Palmer, and you could even argue that Marc Sanchez hasn’t been the big time QB he is capable of being. These guys all seem to have a few years in the tanks left, however, so maybe we will see better in the coming seasons.

3. Who are some of the later round prospects fans should keep an eye out for on the Trojans?

3. SC is returning a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and most of them are now upperclassmen so they will be draft eligible come the end of the season. Expect guys like T.J. McDonald (if not a first rounder), Devon Kennard, Kevin Graf, Randall Telfer, Isiah Wiley, etc. to make pushes to start NFL careers.

4). Where do you think Trjoans should be ranked heading into the season?

4. With the team that USC will be fielding going into the season, a Top 3 ranking is to be expected.

5). Who are some players to watch out for during the season who are not yet draft eligible?

5. Marqise Lee, USC’s standout receiver, will be one of the most exciting Trojans to watch that is not yet draft eligible. Expect him to dazzle us all once again with his speed and athleticism.

6). What game are you most looking forward to and why?

6. USC’s best games will probably be against Utah, U-Dub, Stanford and Oregon, in conference. This will be USC’s first trip to the state of Utah which will make things interesting, and the Trojans’ recent history with the Huskies, the Cardinal, and the Ducks meant that all of these opponents are going to bring it. These games will make or break SC’s season.

7). Quick thought about the players drafted in the 2012 class for the Trojans?

7. With Matt Kalil and Nick Perry being taken in the 1st round, the bar is set high for their expected productivity. However, by going to Minnesota and Green Bay respectively, they are both in good positions to lean and get ready to be NFL stars.

8) Anything else to add?

8. This is USC’s first shot at a post season since 2009, so expect them to go hard in every single game until December. Fight On Forever!

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