The USC Trojans got a lot of great news from their second official depth chart release of the season. Many stars will be returning and potentially making their season debut. The Trojans' defense and offense should get a big boost with key players coming back. Many freshmen will still be in position to have another big game against Fresno State.
Here is what we learned about the Trojans' depth chart release prior to Game 2:
Tanook Hines will be back
Tanook Hines was the first receiver listed on the depth chart, and that bodes well for his availability for Game 2. Tanook Hines already has a great connection with Jayden Maiava, and I expect that to show up vs Fresno State. I would not be surprised if Lincoln Riley and Maiava look to him early and often in this game to ramp
him up. The Trojans' offense will have some fireworks with Hines' season debut.
The coaches trust and are prioritizing Corey Sims
Sophomore Corey Sims showed great flashes of being a big weapon for Jayden Maiava in Game 1. He was amazing all camp and offseason, and in Game 1 everything came to fruition for him. He is now looked at as one of the top receivers for the Trojans. The official depth chart for Week 1 directly reflects that.
Tron Baker has leg up on other freshmen
Tron Baker was listed as a starter for another week in the category. Meaning he is held in high regard by the staff. Baker was another receiver who shined in Game 1. Baker posted a stat line of 4 catches for 45 yards. He caught the first pass out of the young receivers. He will continue to be heavily involved in the offense in Game 2.
Luke Wafle has maintained his starting role
Luke Wafle was expected to be a key contributor early for the Trojans' defense. With injuries at the defensive end position, Wafle was named starter on day 1. He looked the part in Game 1. Now, with all of the defensive line presumably back for Friday's game, Wafle still remains the starting end. That goes to show how confident Gary Patterson and company are about Wafle.
Defensive line should be stronger
The defensive line is looking to be back at full strength in Game 2. Braylon Shelby and Jahkeem Stewart were both added to this week's depth chart. The Trojans' defensive line in Game 1 struggled to get after the quarterback. With a more healthy unit, the Trojans' defensive line should wreak havoc in the Bulldogs backfield. I expect the Trojans to have that 5-sack performance this week.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: What we learned about the USC football depth chart for Fresno State
