Waiting to see Curtis McNeal play

After seeing what small running backs like Jacquizz Rodgers and Keola Antolin can to opposing defenses, it made me realize how great it is to have a smaller running back.

Then I realized that USC has someone who can fit that same role: Curtis McNeal.

He got cleared by the NCAA to be officially eligible to play a few weeks into the season, so

it looks like he's redshirting this year, but when he starts playing next season, then we'll see.

Like Rodgers and Antolin, McNeal is 5'8" 180 lbs. On rivals.com, he's ranked #20 as an all-purpose back for the 2008 class, and Jacquizz Rodgers and Keola Antolin were #23 and #21 respectively. I'm assuming McNeal could do the same.

With an improved offensive line in 2009 that should be physically bigger and stronger next season, it only looks good to have a 5'8" guy hide behind his line and sneak up on the defense.

Freshman Impact at USC

Here is some notable playing time from freshmen. It just shows that no matter what year they are, if they have the talent, the coaches will play them.

Drew McAllister --- interception

Blake Ayles --- 1 touchdown 

Armond Armstead --- 2 tackles (1 sack)

Others who have received playing time:

-Tyron Smith --- offensive line

-DJ Shoemate

-Jurrell Casey

-Uona Kaveinga --- made a tackle

-Malik Jackson ---- made a tackle

So much talent... just be patient.

I know the USC team is loaded with superstars, but all of them will get their time to shine if they are patient. Their patience will also score them a nice multi-million dollar NFL contract.

Pete Carroll is using a three-back rotation now with CJ Gable, Joe McKnight, and Stafon Johnson. The backs all look pretty good, I can't complain. So far this season, Mark Sanchez has been passing the ball alot, so the tailbacks aren't getting as many carries, although they've responsed well to screen passes. Either way, as long as they gain yards, they've done their job, right?

It's looking like Allen Bradford will redshirt this year. He has a sore or bruised hip, which has kept him out of practice and the Oregon game, and redshirting is not a bad idea. He had good experience these first few games and two more years of eligibility should do him some good.

For Marc Tyler and Broderick Green, the redshirt freshmen, there will be a point in the not-too-distant future where they will be the primary backs. They have another 3 1/2 years at USC, so they will certainly be the go-to guys.

Curtis McNeal, a true freshman recently cleared by the NCAA to play, is most likely redshirting. I hope the 5-8, 180 pound running back will show the same playmaking ability as Jacquizz Rodgers. 

USC has two running backs already in line for 2010:  Dillon Baxter and D.J. Morgan