USC Preview in 2010

Quarterback: USC has two solid quarterbacks. Matt Barkley remains the starter, but Mitch Mustain is no slouch either.

Running back: Allen Bradford will bring consistency to the run game and is expected to get 15-20 carries a game. It's up for grabs who will be the no.2 guy, but incoming freshman Dillon Baxter showed what he can do in the scrimmage, and he is rising up the ranks fast.

Fullback: Stanley Havili is the best fullback in the country, hands down. Run, catch, block, he does it all. He needs the ball more.

Wide receiver: Replacing Damian Williams is a challenge, but Ronald Johnson is more than ready to be the go-to guy. Expect Brice Butler to have a breakout season. Incoming freshmen superstars 6'5 Kyle Prater, Markeith Ambles, and Robert Woods could all see significant playing time next year as well.

Tight ends: Nobody has made an impression to replace Anthony McCoy. WRs Jordan Cameron and David Ausberry have moved to TE to provide depth in place of injured Rhett Ellison and Blake Ayles. Ellison can only do so much. Ayles has the most potential but has not applied himself. If these guys aren't careful, top-ranked incoming freshman Xavier Grimble could overtake them.

Offensive line: Lack of numbers and injuries in the spring was an an issue, but this a talented group of linemen, and it's nice knowing Seantrel Henderson comes in this summer. Once they find their rhythm, this will be a force to be reckoned with.

Defensive end: Replacing Everson Griffen shouldn't be a problem when you have Nick Perry, Wes Horton, Malik Jackson, and 6'5 295 lbs. Armond Armstead all impressing the coaches. Nick Perry is poised for a breakout season, and Armstead's size presents trouble for opponents.

Defensive tackle: Jurrell Casey is a proven talent. DaJohn Harris has shown promise, and the return of 330-pounder Hebron Fangupo is good. It hurts to lose Christian Tupou for the season, but he'll be back in 2011 at a position that should be deeper and more talented by then.

Linebacker: It's nice knowing all three starters return, but so do their injury histories. There isn't a of depth with Uona Kaveinga transferring and Jarvis Jones threatened with a career-ending injury, but of the top 4 LBs (Smith, Morgan, Galippo, and Kennard) it's a solid group. JC transfer Glen Stanley should also provide depth and get playing time.

Defensive backs: The return of Shareece Wright is good news for USC. Although his playing time was limited the last 2 seasons to injury and academic ineligibility, Trojan fans can tell you he is the best DB on the team. This should be a strong position with Wright starting and either TJ Bryant or Brian Bauchum starting alongside Wright.

Safety: This is the biggest question mark. There is a lot of young talent, but it is inexperienced. TJ McDonald and Jawanza Starling have potential to be truly great safeties, but they're only sophomores and will both me making their first career starts this September.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Former Fresno State special teams coach John Baxter joins USC. Baxter had a lot of success with the Bulldogs last year, so we should expect some improvement next season.

Kicking: USC's kicking game didn't look that great last year especially when fans were accustomed to David Buehler the year before. Joe Houston and Jake Harfman have to step it up.

Punting: Poor punting gave opponents better field position to score, and they did. Let's hope it improves in 2010.

I expect slight improvement from last year's team. USC is still another year away from being Pac-10 champions, but they could certainly finish 2nd place in the Pac10. I'm expecting the Trojans to finish 10-3 going into their bowl game.