USC Trojans: True Freshmen To Watch in 2020
Every February (and now December) college football teams sign a new class of football players to join their program. It’s exciting to dream about what a prospect can become in the future but come September, some of those freshman will redshirt and wait for their opportunity to shine, while a few will be given the chance to make an immediate impact this season. In this series we will take a team by team look at the true freshman who could be given the opportunity to make a name for themselves in 2020. Today we will look at a few of the USC Trojans true freshmen to watch in 2020.
Jonah Monheim – OL
The Trojans will return several talented offensive linemen despite the loss of Austin Jackson and Drew Richmond. The Trojans return three starters in Alijah Vera-Tucker (#8 G/C in our rankings), Jalen McKenzie and Brett Neilon. They lost both tackles but could move Vera-Tucker and McKenzie outside and play new guards in 2020. Justin Dedich was the backup center in 2019 and could fill in at one guard spot, Andrew Voorhees returns from injury and could start at the other guard spot. This leaves Liam Jimmons, a few unproven players and the freshman Monheim to fill out the depth chart. Monheim has some versatility and will provide depth at a few spots and could find his way onto the field in 2020.
Jonah Monheim played his high school ball for Moorpark High School in California. He is a powerful blocker who drives defenders off the line. He has good athleticism and can pull across the formation and find defenders at the second level to block. He plays with the attitude you look for in an offensive lineman, driving defenders several yards down field and finishing his blocks. Monheim may be more suited for guard but he has the length and feet to play tackle if needed. He does a good job of staying on balance and has the strength to keep pass rushers away from the quarterback. His athleticism, power and attitude should get him into the two deep as a true freshman. Monheim can play multiple spots and could be on the field quite a bit in 2020 if needed. We expect he will hold his own when called upon.
Gary Bryant Jr – WR
The Trojans will go into 2020 without Michael Pittman Jr. who led the team in receptions, yards and receiving touchdowns in 2019. Luckily the rest of the receiving corps returns mostly intact. Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was 11th in our WR rankings, and Tyler Vaughns who just missed the list are both back after productive 2019 seasons. Drake London showed he could make plays as a freshman in 2019 and will be the third receiver on the depth chart. Kyle Ford would have been part of the competition for the fourth spot but he suffered a knee injury and is not likely to play in 2020. The Trojans will have highly touted second year player, Bru McCoy, who should compete for playing time, but there is room for a couple true freshmen to make their mark in 2020. Bryant Jr. is a talent who can make a big impact right away and should get some playing time in 2020.
Gary Bryant Jr. starred at Centennial High School in California. He is a fast player with good acceleration and agility to go with his good long speed. He runs good routes for a young player and is able to use his athleticism well to create separation. Bryant Jr. has good hands and catches the ball well once he is open. He has the quickness and elusiveness to make long gains after the catch. He is not a big receiver but has adequate size for the position. Bryant Jr. will fit well in the slot but also has the skill to play outside if he is needed to. His advanced ability, explosive playmaking and the lack of receiver depth give him an opportunity to be in the rotation for the Trojans this year. We expect Bryant Jr will make his share of plays over the course of the season.
Josh Jackson Jr – WR
USC has an interesting receiver room in 2020, there is high end production returning but with Ford’s injury the lack of depth at receiver is an issue. The Trojans have few proven options after the top 3 and need to develop depth quickly in case of injuries. The Trojans threw the ball a lot in 2019 and we expect that trend to continue in 2020 so there is a need for many receivers to be ready. While Bryant Jr is likely to be in the rotation he will not be the only true freshmen receiver to see the field in 2020. Jackson Jr is a talented player as well and will also push to get on the field quickly.
Josh Jackson Jr was a standout for Narbonne High School in California. Jackson Jr has a good combination of size, speed and burst. He tracks the ball well and has the ball skills to make difficult catches in tight spaces. Jackson Jr also does a good job pulling away from defenders with good burst after the catch. He is a well built receiver who will continue to get stronger in a college strength program. Jackson Jr has the skills to be an outside receiver, but could play in the slot if needed. His versatility makes him a good depth option for the Trojans, as he can back up multiple spots if needed. We think Jackson Jr will get on the field as a true freshman and begin to showcase his abilities.
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USC Football Saturday October 11th Los Angeles California Image taken by A-Syn is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
