A big thing about the USC Trojans heading into this season was the many talented freshmen on the roster. In Saturday's game, the Trojans had 16 freshmen see the field, 10 on offense and 6 on defense. Each of those freshmen offered a taste of what they can provide this season and what the future looks like for them.
Here is my breakdown for how each of the talented true freshmen for the Trojans fared in Week 0:
Jonas Williams, quarterback
Jonas Williams' day ended with a poor decision, throwing the ball back over the middle while he was scrambling, resulting in an interception. Prior to that, however, Williams looked really good. He led a scoring drive in the fourth quarter, and he showed he is on schedule with his development. The mobility is there, and he can make all the throws.
He gave great reason to be excited about the future at the quarterback position, with many special plays in this game.
Deshonne Redeaux, running back
Redeaux's speed was on full display in his debut. He does not need many touches to make plays. In Saturday's game, Redeaux had 2 carries for 26 yards. On one run, he helped the Trojans convert a 3rd and 6. On his other run, he broke loose for a 13-yard gain. I am excited to see him get more carries, and there is a lot he can provide the Trojans with his speed and versatility.
Shahn Alston, running back
Alston made the most of his 7 carries, gaining 30 yards and a touchdown. He showed all the capabilities of being another special back in this backfield. Not only was he great on the ground, but he also had a great play in pass protection, picking up a block to free up Jonas Williams for a terrific throw on the run. If the Trojans have injuries at the running back position, he can fill that void seamlessly.
Tron Baker, receiver
Tron Baker flew under the radar in camp, but the minute he got his opportunity, he was one of the first players to get his name called. Baker finished the game second in receiving, with 45 yards on 4 catches. He was just one yard shy of getting his first collegiate touchdown on the first drive of the game. Given what he showed in his debut, he could have a couple of touchdowns this season as a freshman.
Trent Mosley, receiver
Trent Mosley is a game-changer, and it will be hard not to overreact to his breakout performance. Mosley was a name to follow this season, but in Game 1, he was the biggest name in the game. Mosley had a 40-yard punt return just shy of a touchdown in the first return of his collegiate career. He had 118 yards receiving on 7 catches, with the cherry on top being a touchdown. He has "star" written all over him.
Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, receiver
Dixon-Wyatt was one of Jayden Maiava's favorite targets all offseason, and that came to fruition in Game 1 as the two connected for a touchdown. Maiava threw the perfect ball and displayed trust in the freshman receiver to make a play. That is exactly what Dixon-Wyatt did. Dixon-Wyatt had the opportunity to put on a show in the first game, and he looked very promising in the starting receiver role. Dixon-Wyatt finished his debut with 4 catches for 36 yards and a touchdown. A lot more is coming for this talented freshman this season.
Ethan Feaster, receiver
It was a quiet day for the promising freshman Boobie Feaster as he only managed to get 1 catch for just 8 yards. Despite his lack of production, he still managed to be present in what was working for the Trojans. When Feaster was not getting the football, he was blocking hard and showing that he is a team player. That is a sign of a player who is fully bought in and is built with the right winning mindset.
Mark Bowman, tight end
Mark Bowman did not have a dominant day by any means if you are looking at just the stats. He finished his debut with just 3 catches for 15 yards. He made an impact, however, in the run game. The freshman tight end showed his toughness and willingness to block in many effective running plays. He is not just a tight end who gets compared to Brock Bowers, but he is also a tight end that can get his hands dirty. This was a successful showing for the promising young star. When the offense opens up more, I expect him to be heavily involved.
Luke Wafle, defensive end
Luke Wafle did not stuff the stat sheet for Game 1, but he did deliver one highlight play that cultivated a lot of excitement. Wafle was nearly a hair away from getting a sack and a safety in the first half. He blew up the Spartans' offensive tackle and showed just how strong he is as a freshman. Obviously, you would want to see a more dominant showing, but with that one play alone, I think the freshman impressed enough for his debut.
Talanoa Ili, linebacker
Ili got some reps in the first game of the season, and he finished his debut with two tackles. He is a promising young player for the Trojans' defense, and in camp he earned the trust of everyone in the building at USC. If any of the Trojans' talented starting linebackers go down, he will be the first guy in.
Elbert Hill IV, corner
Hill is another guy to watch. He already has the traits of a corner who can be special in the Big Ten. With the Trojans' up-and-down performance in the back end, I wouldn't be surprised if they change things up in the next game. In a sample size, Hill managed two solo tackles. Later in the season, I expect him to be one of the starters.
Madden Riordan, safety
Madden Riordan impressed the coaching staff in camp. Riordan continued that trend with an impressive showing in Game 1. Riordan finished the game with two tackles as well, and he will follow Hill as another player who could see his reps get higher as the season continues.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC Trojans freshmen tracker: How recruiting class fared vs SJSU
