USC’s announced starters on offense: Quarterback Cody Kessler, receivers Darreus Rogers, Steven Mitchell and JuJu Smith-Schuster, tailback Tre Madden, fullback Jahleel Pinner, tight end Taylor McNamara and offensive linemen Zach Banner, Toa Lobendahn, Max Tuerk, Damien Mama and Chad Wheeler.
On defense: Linebackers Su’a Cravens, Scott Felix, Anthony Sarao and Cameron Smith, cornerbacks Kevon Seymour and Adoree’ Jackson, safeties Chris Hawkins and John Plattenburg, defensive linemen Delvon Simmons, Antwaun Woods and Greg Townsend, Jr.
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The sun is setting over the Coliseum and there’s about an hour until USC kicks off the season against Arkansas State of the Sun Belt Conference.
Expectations are high for the Trojans, who are ranked eighth in the Associated Press media poll and were picked to win the Pac-12 Conference in another preseason media poll.
USC returns 16 starters — eight on offense, seven on defense and its punter.
Quarterback Cody Kessler is an early favorite for the Heisman Trophy and cornerback-receiver-returner Adoree’ Jackson is one of the most exciting players in college football.
Coach Steve Sarkisian has relinquished play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Clay Helton in an effort to become more of a game manager. Helton called plays in 2013 after coach Lane Kiffin was fired and the Trojans finished 10-4.
Trojans defensive lineman Claude Pelon, linebacker Lamar Dawson, tailback Justin Davis and safety Ykili Ross will be sidelined because of injury.
Copyright © 2015, Los Angeles Times
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