USC Trojans’ Freshman Class Poised for Key Roles in Season Opener

The USC football team is addressing its youth, with freshmen expected to play pivotal roles from the outset.

This dynamic is underscored by the initial depth chart, released Wednesday evening prior to the season opener. The chart featured five potential starters from the Trojans’ top-ranked high school recruiting class.

Freshman tight end Mark Bowman, defensive end Luke Wafle, and wide receivers Trent Mosley and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt are listed as starters. Additionally, freshman cornerback Elbert “Rock” Hill IV has been assigned an “OR” designation, indicating possible starter status in a contest with redshirt sophomore Chasen Johnson.

Regardless of whether Johnson secures the starting position, it is evident that USC’s freshman class will be prominently represented when the No. 14 Trojans face San Jose State on Saturday afternoon at the Coliseum.

Concerning the freshman receivers’ ability to contribute amidst an injury to Tanook HInes that limited his involvement in training camp, coach Lincoln Riley expressed optimism earlier this week regarding his newcomers.

“We’ve seen enough out of these guys that no matter who else is playing they’re going to play and have their opportunity to contribute and affect the game,” Riley said. “I think in terms of what we want to see from them it’s just, go do what they’ve been doing on the practice field – don’t let the moment be anything more than just what it is and they’ve done it consistently.

“Several of these guys have had almost a veteran-like presence on the team in terms of their consistency and their playmaking and they just need to take that to the game field and I just see no reason why they won’t.”

Other true freshmen included in the two-deep are wide receiver Ethan “Boobie” Feaster, offensive linemen Vlad Dyakonov and Breck Kolojay, linebacker Talanoa Ili, and safety Madden Riordan.

Tobias Raymond is poised to make his first career start at center, following a season-ending injury to Kilian O’Connor during training camp. At defensive tackle, Alex VanSumeren and Jide Abasiri are anticipated to start, replacing Jahkeem Stewart who recently incurred a foot injury.

The Trojans have not designated a single starter at running back, listing both Waymond Jordan and King Miller with an “OR” notation, which is logical given the caliber of both options. Similarly, no primary backup quarterback has been named, with both Sam Huard and Jonas Williams identified as options.

Kicker Caden Chittenden has secured the position for handling field goals over Ryon Sayeri, following a competitive battle. Sayeri had previously stepped in for field goals last season after Chittenden sustained a season-ending injury in training camp.

Coach Riley recently highlighted Chittenden’s resilience after Sayeri excelled, converting 21 of 25 field goals and setting a new school record with 19 made field goals previously.

“I think 99.9% of players probably would have transferred out given how that played out,” Riley stated recently. “He wanted to stay here at USC and compete, which speaks volumes about his character.”

Sayeri is assigned as the starter for kickoffs.

Coach Riley’s next media availability is scheduled for Thursday morning, where discussions about the team’s youth movement are expected.

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