USC released its updated depth chart Saturday night, one week before the season opener at Virginia. You can view the whole thing by clicking here.
Below we analyze the most significant changes from the media-guide version, starting with the offense.
QUARTERBACK
Was: Mark Sanchez, Mitch Mustain, Aaron Corp (above)
Is: Mark Sanchez, Aaron Corp or Mitch Mustain, Garrett Green
Thoughts: The coaches refused to separate Corp and Mustain throughout camp, so why start now? That being said, Corp got more reps in Friday’s post-scrimmage practice, and I maintain he’d get the start against Virginia if Sanchez can’t go (which isn’t going to happen anyway). Green, shifted from receiver when Sanchez went down, proved too valuable at QB to move back.
SPLIT END
Was: Patrick Turner or David Ausberry
Is: Patrick Turner or Damian Williams
Thoughts: No surprise here at all. Williams was the most consistent receiver during training camp, his quiet final scrimmage notwithstanding. I asked several of my media colleagues recently who would lead USC in receptions this season, and the consensus was Williams (for whatever that’s worth). Ausberry is a physical marvel (6-4, 235) who has yet to put it all together.
LEFT TACKLE
Was: Charles Brown, Butch Lewis
Is: Charles Brown, Tyron Smith
Thoughts: Lewis moved to the right side, where he’s starting. The coaches clearly think highly of Smith, a true freshman with the ideal body frame for a left tackle (6-6, 270). Smith bounced back from a knee injury early in camp to make that positive impression.
RIGHT GUARD
Was: Zack Heberer or Thomas Herring
Is: Zack Heberer or Alex Parsons
Thoughts: It’s somewhere between surprising and perplexing to see Parsons listed as a co-starter, given that (A) Heberer has gotten the vast majority of first-team reps and (B) Parsons is the top reserve at left guard and center, where he stepped in for the injured Michael Reardon. Herring is listed fourth behind Heberer, Parsons and Derek Simmons, whom the coaches switched to offense during camp.
RIGHT TACKLE
Was: Alex Parsons
Is: Butch Lewis
Thoughts: As mentioned, Lewis is the guy here. It’s a tribute to Parsons’ versatility and smarts that he’s able to play center and both guard spots, especially considering he began his USC career as a defensive tackle. By the way, big-time recruit Matt Kalil, who was fourth in the media-guide depth chart, is now No. 3 behind Lewis and Nick Howell.
Other items worth noting: Freshman TE Blake Ayles went from fifth pre-camp to third post-camp, and the arrow is pointing up. … USC continues to list Joe McKnight, C.J. Gable, Stafon Johnson and Allen Bradford as “co-starters” at tailback.
Coming up: Defense and special teams.
