Top 5 Trojans: Position Battles

USC's closest competitions heading into the 2019 season...

USC Athletics/John McGillen

Running back (Vavae Malepeai vs. Stephen Carr vs. Markses Stepp): Malpeai is the likely “starter” to open the season but the lead carrier could change regularly depending on how that week’s game is going. Carr still has the highest ceiling, but Malepeai has the highest floor while Stepp has been the best in practice since spring.

Wide receiver (Devon Williams vs. Velus Jones): Both were dynamic in training camp, albeit in different ways. They’re essentially battling to be first off the bench and/or used in four-wide sets.

Tight end (Josh Falo vs. Erik Krommenhoek): The job remains open, with Krommenhoek surprisingly posting the superior camp. It remains unclear if the tight end will be targeted much in this offense, or if that is even warranted.

Defensive end (Christian Rector vs. Drake Jackson): Only one figures to be on the field for most three-down sets, and the freshman has seemingly won some time away from the senior. Who plays more might come down to whoever is better against the run.

Cornerback (Olaijah Griffin vs. Isaac Taylor-Stuart vs. Chris Steele): They’ll begin the year rotating and the competition could continue deep into the season. What USC really needs is for all of them to produce, as well as Greg Johnson, who's currently starting at nickel but available to fill in outside.

Also considered: OL (McKenzie vs. Voorhees vs. Richmond); OLB (Echols vs. McClain)

TOP 5 SERIES

Irreplaceables

X Factors

Underdogs

Rookies