Countdown to Kickoff: 8 Days

As we continue on our daily countdown towards the 2007 season, we are now just 8 days away from kicking off the season against the University of Idaho in what could be the biggest blowout the world has ever seen. Wearing #8 for Trojans this season is the highly touted freshman WR Ronald Johnson, who will have some very big shoes to fill (Dwayne Jarrett's)...

Johnson (image above from yesterday's scrimmage) came to USC, despite being heavily recruited by his home state school of Michigan, because he believed he can contribute right away as a slot WR who can break a game open at any time. He has shown that he has the necessary skills to compete at this level throughout fall camp, and will get every opportunity to work himself into the starting lineup. It will be interesting though, to see how he handles the pressure of continuing the legacy left by Jarrett, who is perhaps the greatest Trojan WR since Lynn Swann.

Dwayne Jarrett basically re-wrote the record books during his career at USC, but his finest moment might have came a couple years ago in South Bend. The #1 ranked Trojans engaged in an epic battle against Notre Dame, but found themselves trailing 31-28 late in the 4th quarter. Facing a 4th Down and 9 yards to go, (click here to relive the magic) Leinart found Jarrett for what will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest plays and finishes to a game in college football history. Who will ever forget that memorable 4th and 9 play, called "82 Sluggo Win," that eventually led to the game-winning touchdown (and the Bush push)? I sure as heck won't.

Fight On!

Ronald Johnson Highlights

Here's why RoJo is an IMPACT Freshman

IMPACT Freshmen

After a thorough review of the Trojan Huddle Recap I have selected a few incoming freshmen that should have a huge impact on next season. Here are my top three...

1. Jordan Campbell, LB/FB 5'11" 260lbs- Campbell spent his entire football career playing linebacker, however due to the great depth at the linebacker position, PC recruited Campbell as a fullback. Campbell spent his senior season on both sides of the ball attempting to learn his new position. The fullback position on the Trojan depth chart is as thin as fucla's football championship records. Stanely Havili is the only scholarship fullback on the roster. Havili has looked very impressive throughout the spring and had a great game at the Trojan Huddle. However, with the luck USC had at keeping fullbacks healthy last season it is important that PC add depth to the position. With the departure of Brandon Hancock and Ryan Powdrell and the continued rehab of big back Michael Coleman, Jordan Campbell will be a welcomed addition in the fall. I've seen Campbell at a few spring practices and he looks like a very solid football player. Once Jordan learns the offense look for him to get a lot of reps as Havili's backup.
2. Everson Griffen, DE 6'4" 266lbs- Griffen is a monster. His size and athletic ability is unmatched by any recruit that PC has ever brought in. Griffen played defensive end and running back in high school. I have never seen a player of his size with the ability to overpower and outrun every player on the football field. With LoJack holding down one DE spot there's only one spot up for grabs. Currently, Kyle Moore has been working his tail off trying to prove to the coaching staff that he is deserving of that spot. He has had a good spring and looked very impressive on Saturday. Griffen will definitely push Moore for the starting job, making for one of the best position battles of the fall.
3. Ronald Johnson, WR 6'0" 180lbs- The receivers have looked pretty good this spring, however at times they have looked inconsistent. Patrick Turner has been the only consistent performer throughout the spring. Ausberry, Hazelton, and Patterson are all very talented receivers and I am expecting great things from the three of them. However, with Jamere Holland out with another shoulder injury, I'm not sure we have a speedster that can go out deep and spread the field. RoJo will be a great addition to the receiving corp and should push the other receivers. I don't expect RoJo to crack the starting lineup but I do expect him to get some significant playing time next season.

* Other possible IMPACT freshmen: Kristopher O'Dowd and Joe Mcknight