The USC Trojans offense, even after losing a couple of pivotal pieces to the NFL draft, has remained explosive. That's partly because the Trojans' run game remains productive. This is a deep running back room full of talent. However, it is still pretty clear that King Miller, the former walk-on freshman, is the bellcow running back.
Here are my midseason report card grades for the USC Trojans' running back room:
King Miller - A+
King Miller came into this season putting on more weight and taking his offseason more seriously. The change in his body and his game has been evident in every game. The season began slowly for him, but in Week 2 he took over this backfield and hasn't looked back. He now has three 100-yard rushing performances this season. There is a case
to be made that he should be getting the ball even more. However, limited carries have not gotten in the way of his impact. King Miller has been the solution and a source of help when the Trojans' offense is struggling. There has been no drop-off for Miller after his great freshman season. He is one of the best players on the Trojans this year. It has been a great start to the season for the sophomore.
Waymond Jordan - C+
It has been a disappointing season for Waymond Jordan. King Miller has been the more dominant back in the backfield, but it seems as if Jordan has been phased out. Jordan got 6 carries in the last game for just 22 yards. The most carries he has gotten all season was 11. The idea of it being a running back committee or a duo has fallen flat. Jordan has a lot to still offer in this offense, and in a big game coming up, I would not be surprised if he has a huge impact on the game. Just sad to see his impact has not been that great to start the season.
Shahn Alston- B+
Alston has been impressive with the short sample size he has been given. In the first few games of the season, when his number was called, he was productive. He has consistently hovered around at least 5 yards per carry. He has all the great traits of a back that can be extremely productive. I would not be surprised if he was the lead back for the Trojans and running for 1000 yards very soon. He has an exciting future ahead of him.
Riley Wormley - A
It was very quiet for Wormley to start the season, but he had a nice stretch of games where he was even more productive than Waymond Jordan. When he is used, he is a versatile weapon. He can make plays in the receiving game and on the ground. Lincoln Riley still needs to be using him in the offense, giving him a couple of carries a game because he can make a big play or 2 every game. He is a player in the Trojans' offense that I want to see more of.
Deshonne Redeaux - B
Redeaux has been the least productive back in the Trojans' backfield this season. His ceiling, however, just might be the brightest. His speed in a small sample size has shown great potential. Each time he gets the ball in his hands, he is able to pick up at least 7-10 yards. His acceleration and explosion make him a dangerous playmaker whenever the Trojans decide to use him. Unfortunately for him, he has been at the back end of the rotation, and he has had to deal with injuries. His future is still very bright at USC.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Midseason report card for USC football running back room
