USC Spring Game 2016 April 16, 2016
The Trojans officially wrapped up Spring Ball at the 2016 Spring Game on Saturday. Over 20 thousand fans got their first glimpse at the 2016 Trojans on a beautiful day at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Feelin' The JuJu
The Trojans No. 1 receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster, dominated the Spring Game with three touchdowns; two from Max Browne and one from Sam Darnold. He racked up five receptions for 55 yards, while TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe also had five receptions for 65 yards. The team leader in yards was WR Darreus Rogers (91 yards, 3 receptions) who kicked things off for the Trojans with a 64-yard touchdown reception from Max Browne.
"It's a special year for me," said Rogers. "Given my mindset and some goals I'm trying to achieve, it's one last chance, my last chance. I'm just going to take it day-by-day."
Browne vs. Darnold
The storyline of the spring has been the competition at quarterback to see who the coaching staff will name as the starter for the Trojans' opener against the reigning national champions. The battle is close, with both Darnold and Browne putting on a show on Saturday. The redshirt junior Browne started the game and hit 7-of-11 passes for 114 yards and three touchdowns. The redshirt freshman Darnold was 6-of-7 for 63 yards and two touchdowns.
"My goal was to win the job at the end of spring," said Browne. "That didn't happen but it's not the end of the world. I'm going to do what I've done the past three and a half years: dominate the offseason and I'll be ready come fall camp."
"I think it's good for the team to see us competing and that we're not afraid of competition," said Darnold. "We're going to keep playing our game. I think it's an awesome opportunity for our team to learn."
Swann's First Spring
Newly-named athletic director Lynn Swann was in the house for USC's Spring Game to take in a little Trojan football and interact with players, coaches and fans. The NFL Hall of Famer dropped by Trojans Live to talk about his new position, the 2016 football outlook and more.
Protect the House
Though the offense turned heads, the defense continued its dominant spring under new defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. Inside linebacker Olajuwon Tucker led the Trojans with six tackles, while Michael Hutchings and Marvell Tell III both added five stops. Cornerback Kevin Carrasco intercepted QB Matt Fink for a turnover, but the flashiest defensive play came from DT Rasheem Green who swatted down a pass from Browne.
Olson's Opportunity
The Spring Game concluded with a designated field goal portion where USC's blind long snapper Jake Olson got his first opportunity to snap in a game. Olson's two snaps were spot-on and resulted in a Matt Boermeester field goal.
HIGHLIGHTS 🎥
The Long Wait
Saturday signaled the end of official workouts for USC until August when the Trojans will reassemble to prepare for their season-opener against Alabama. While four months feels like a long wait, the showdown in Dallas will arrive before we know it and the Trojans are intent upon using this offseason to get ready.