USC Officially Names Their Next Starting Quarterback

Replacing Cody Kessler at quarterback was the top of the to-do list for USC going into 2016. At last it seems they made a decision.

The junior quarterback Max Browne will be the man of the moment for the Trojans. He has patiently waited his turn at the helm, never causing any controversies for the program and there is no doubt the school has awaited the chance to see what he could do.

So far Browne has thrown just 19 passes in his college career, completing 11 of them for 143 yards. In essence he’s a relative unknown. That should at least give them an element of surprise going into their highly-anticipated opening day showdown with defending champion Alabama. One can rest assured this is as big a trial by far as any new starting quarterback could ever think to face.

What makes him such an intriguing player is the fact that he’s very talented. In fact he was ranked the #1 high school quarterback in the country in 2013 just ahead of Christian Hackenberg. At 6’5″, 220 lbs he has the ideal size of a projected starter in the NFL. What scouts are going to want to see is whether he can progress as a passer, hopefully not falling into the same traps that Hackenberg did.

It also demonstrates what head coach Clay Helton is thinking.

"“In one sense, Helton’s choice of Browne keeps his credibility with the players by rewarding a veteran. There are players on the team who hope the same loyalty applies at their positions. And so far, Helton’s been a players’ coach, free of any dissension.”"

Part of this is because some people are anxious to see Sam Darnold play. Though USC coaches believe his future is bright, they are in more than capable hands with Browne. It’s just a matter of getting him ready.