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USC Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Mar 7, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during spring practice at Howard Jones Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during spring practice at Howard Jones Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans running back Ronald Jones II (4) runs against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the fourth quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans running back Ronald Jones II (4) runs against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the fourth quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

4. How will carries be split among a deep group of backs?

The 2016 season saw the Trojans have three rushers with over 390 yards, two of which are back for 2017 — Ronald Jones II and Aca-Cedric Ware. Both are headed into their junior years.

Jones emerged as the lead back for USC, crossing 1,000 yards on just 177 carries. His play took off toward the back end of the season, which saw him bolt for 223 yards against California on Oct. 27. He had three more games with 120-plus yards to close.

However, with Justin Davis gone to graduation, it leaves an opening in the backfield for someone to step up and make this a three-headed monster. That may be Stephen Carr, a five-star freshman who was considered one of the top recruits from the 2017 class.

Carr should get some carries during the spring game, and potentially flash some of the skill that made his commitment to USC a headline. He may have to work through Dominic Davis, who may also get a look and compete for the third running back spot. So, if anything, Clay Helton’s squad already has four players capable of taking on carries during the season and for the spring game.

However, there’s still a fifth one — Vavae Malepeai. After coming into the program with hype, he broke his collarbone and had to take a redshirt for 2016. As Reign of Troy notes, Helton praised Malepeai multiple times during spring practice. So, could this be the wild card of the backfield?

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