USC football: Who’s the best No. 42 in Trojans history?

July 1st, 2009, 7:00 am · 2 Comments · posted by Michael Lev, staff writer

Onward and upward we go, into the 40s for the penultimate stop in this USC best-ever series.

I’m going to have to play God again and eliminate one of the Trojans’ No. 42s — LB-OG Pat Cannamela, an All-American and team co-captain in 1951.

That leaves three contenders, including two all-time USC greats who just barely missed some potentially explosive collisions on the practice field.

Check out their profiles, then vote for your favorite.

RB RICKY BELL (right)
Quickie credentials: Unanimous All-American in 1975 and ‘76. Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1976, third place in ‘75. Rushed for 3,390 yards and 27 TDs in those two seasons, including school-record 51-347 vs. Washington State in ‘76. Member of USC’s 1974 national-title team and ‘76 runner-up. Finished his career with 3,689 yards and 28 TDs.

S RONNIE LOTT
Quickie credentials: Unanimous All-American in 1980. Member of USC’s 1978 national-championship team. Tied for the NCAA lead in interceptions per game in 1980. Tied for fourth on USC’s career INT list with 14. Finished his career with 250 tackles, including 22 for losses, 37 pass deflections, 10 fumble recoveries and 2 TD returns.

WR ERIK AFFHOLTER
Quickie credentials: All-American in 1988, when he also was USC’s Offensive Player of the Year. Led USC in receiving in 1987 (44 catches) and ‘88 (68). Ranks 12th on USC’s career receiving list. Finished his career with 123 receptions for 1,737 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Who's the best No. 42 in USC football history?

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Posted in: Football • Erik Affholter • Pat Cannamela • Ricky Bell • Ronnie Lott |

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2 Comments

Earl Bloom, staff writer says:

July 1, 2009 at 8:50 am

Michael, is it because you think there’s no one alive who remembers Pat Cannamela (who was even before my time), or that no one who was reads our blog?

Gotta go Lott here, but loved Bell as a Trojan.

Reese says:

July 2, 2009 at 9:54 pm

I remember Coach Mckay saying after Bell had a couple of 200+ yard games, “Wait until he learns to run around tacklers!”.