USC football: 5 most underrated players in USC Trojans history

3. Underrated USC football players: Stanley Havili

Traditionally, the fullback in a pro-style offense is a hammer that runs into the hole and leads the running back to the second level of the defense. Tom Rathman and Daryl Johnston shifted the paradigm of what a fullback could be in an offense.

Stanley Havili was one of those hybrid utility fullbacks during his time for the Trojans.   Havili could do it all. He was a great blocker, pass catcher, and short-yardage runner. He was so versatile, they would motion him wide as a receiver.

One of the primary reasons Havili goes underrated is he never led the team in any statistical category. He was never an All-American or All-Pac-12. Havili is one of those players you need to help build your team.

The Salt Lake City native was never a marquee player. He caught passes or ran the ball primarily as a change of pace. Havili’s primary job was to open holes for Joe McKnight and Stafon Johnson. His selflessness was rewarded when he was named captain.

Not everyone on a team’s roster is a star. You need players who are not afraid to do the dirty work. That was Havili. He did not have any 60 yard runs, but he’s the guy who would make the key block that sprung the guy who makes the ESPN highlight.

Players like Havili are the glue that holds a team together. Every team needs players who will do whatever is asked of them. Havili also played one of the unsung positions in football; he was a fullback.