The USC Trojans' performance last week was the worst of their first three games. The offense is still fueled by the talented freshmen who continue to get better. King Miller joined the party, and he showed he is ready to be the leading man in the backfield. On defense, Luke Wafle appears to be the best edge on the defensive line.
Here is my breakdown for the USC Trojans whose stock is going up and whose stock is going down after Week 2:
Stock up:
King Miller, running back
King Miller is looking more and more like the top dog in the backfield. Miller exploded for 128 yards on 18 carries. King Miller's physicality is there a lot more this season, and he did not lose any of his valuable explosion. He is a new and improved back, and last week the Trojans saw the best version
of that. I expect that, moving forward, his workload will become more guaranteed.
Trent Mosley, wide receiver
Trent Mosley was a star this past week for more than his ability as a receiver. Of course, he still shined on offense, as he had 33 yards and a touchdown on 2 catches. Mosley had an 83-yard punt return for a touchdown. The Trojans offense having great field position consistently with Trent Mosley in the return game seems unfair. Mosley, right now as it stands, is the most impactful player on the offense outside of the quarterback.
Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, wide receiver
Kayden Dixon-Wyatt is a special receiver, and he is locking down the role as the 2nd-best receiver. He has passed up Tanook Hines and Terrell Anderson. His confidence is continuing to grow, and he is becoming as reliable as it gets as a target. He will step up for the Trojans in the big games this season.
Mark Bowman, tight end
Mark Bowman's performance last week gave confidence that the Trojans will have elite playmakers for the next few years. Bowman is another hit in this Trojans' freshman class. He can make plays and be an elite security blanket for Maiava. His athleticism is on a whole other level, as he can hurdle two defenders and run for a big gain. Bowman showed exactly what type of weapon he can be this past week. This offense will be able to compete with the best in the country.
Luke Wafle, defensive end
Luke Wafle looked like he was cementing himself as the best edge for the Trojans this past week. He led the Trojans' defense in tackles, and he is becoming more and more of a complete defender. The Trojans freshman is taking shape, and he looks just as promising as the freshman on offense now.
Stock down:
Waymond Jordan, running back
Waymond Jordan has still been productive and made an impact. However, it is becoming more and more clear that King Miller should be the top guy. King Miller had a big game this past week, and he has been the most productive back. Lincoln Riley will keep both backs integrated in the offense, but it looks like Waymond Jordan lost his chance as the lead back.
Tanook Hines, receiver
Tanook Hines was projected to be the Trojans' next Makai Lemon this season. He has been more of a 3rd option this year. At times, even a non-factor. Hines production will come down the line and in pivotal games. However, right now the young guys have passed him up.
Ethan Feaster, wide receiver
Ethan Feaster's breakout game looks like it is on the back burner for another week. His other counterparts are all flourishing and are the best playmakers on the team. For Feaster, this year might just be about development, and that is fine. He will still be a fun playmaker to watch for years to come.
Kam Crawford, defensive end
Last season, Kam Crawford had 5.5 sacks, and many expected that this season would be a big step forward for him. Crawford, in the first 3 games, has only tallied 5 sacks. He is a step behind in matching last year's production. At times, the younger guys on the Trojans' defensive line have looked more dominant. There is still time left in this season, but Crawford needs to pick things up.
Kennedy Urlacher, safety
Kennedy Urlacher had a breakout game in Week 1, but then he followed up with just having 1 tackle in Week 2. It was not a coincidence that the secondary as a whole took a big step backward against Louisiana. Kennedy Urlacher is a big factor for the Trojans this year, and he needs to find more consistency in his role.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football stock up and stock down report after Louisiana game
