Who should USC start in the opener?

USC, which kicks off the 2019 season Saturday against Fresno State, still has a few open competitions.

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The announcement came last week and it was just as expected: JT Daniels will be the starting quarterback to begin the season. Technically, that's the only position that's been publicized. Most if not all of the starting lineup has been determined otherwise, with the exception of a few positions that will likely see a heavy rotation early on. 

USC figures to lean on three running backs heavily for now, with Vavae Malepeai in line to take the first snaps ahead of Stephen Carr and Markese Stepp. Josh Falo and Erik Krommenhoek have been splitting first-team reps throughout fall practice and will probably take on comparable loads in Week 1. 

At cornerback, Olaijah Griffin is the surest bet to occupy one of the two outside spots, but competition is still open between OG, Isaac-Taylor Stuart and Chris Steele. We've seen a bit of shuffling on the right side of the offensive line between OT/G Jalen McKenzie, G Andrew Vorhees and OT Drew Richmond, but McKenzie and Vorhees will likely get the nods. Finally, when USC is in a 3-4 defensive alignment, Hunter Echols or Abdul-Malik McClain have been battling at the outside linebacker spot.

USC plans to release an official depth chart Friday. Until then, I list below who I project will start and then who I believe should start.

Projected starters

QB: Daniels

TB: Malepeai

WR: Michael Pittman, Tyler Vaughns, Amon-Ra St. Brown (slot)

TE: Krommenhoek

OL (from left to right): Austin Jackson, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Brett Neilon, Vorhees, McKenzie

DL: Drake Jackson, Jay Tufele, Marlon Tuipulotu, Christian Rector

LB: John Houston, Palaie Gaoteote, Echols (3-4)

CB: Griffin, Taylor-Stuart, Greg Johnson (nickel)

S: Talanoa Hufanga, Isaiah Pola-Mao

My starting lineup

QB: Daniels

TB: Malepeai

WR: Michael Pittman, Tyler Vaughns, Amon-Ra St. Brown (slot)

TE: Falo

OL (from left to right): Austin Jackson, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Brett Neilon, McKenzie, Richmond

DL: Drake Jackson, Jay Tufele, Marlon Tuipulotu, Christian Rector

LB: John Houston, Palaie Gaoteote, Echols (3-4)

CB: Griffin, Steele, Greg Johnson (nickel)

S: Talanoa Hufanga, Isaiah Pola-Mao

Who would you start?