The Trojans have failed to produce a legitimate Heisman contender since Reggie Bush last won the award. Five years may not seem that long of a period for some, but it has been an extensive wait for those spoiled by a program boasting three winners from 2002 to 2005.

After Bush’s trophy was added to the Heritage Hall collection, several more names surfaced in following years, but none were ever in serious contention. John David Booty, Mark Sanchez, and Joe McKnight were all placed on preseason watch lists.  Neither of them made the trip to New York.

Matt Barkley entered the program last year, and there were immediate projections that he would be the next from USC to win the stiff arm trophy. That still remains to be seen, and with the instant popularity and recognition he received as a true freshman, a December date at the Downtown Athletic’s Club is a high probability for the future.

But what about the incoming class and its group of playmakers, is there a future winner among them? The 2010 class is a collection of offensive talent, but based on the unwritten but obvious criteria for Heisman triumph, we can eliminate wide receivers, tight ends, and anyone playing the defensive side of the ball. This leaves us with quarterback Jesse Scroggins and running backs Dillon Baxter and D.J. Morgan.

Dillon Baxter may be the popular choice, being that he could provide the Trojans with the same all purpose performance as Reggie Bush once did. But without seeing any of the newcomers in USC’s cardinal and gold, I’m going to agree with the choice made by Heisman Pundit, and tag D.J. Morgan as the best candidate.

When you combine the power of an offensive line with a talented quarterback working a stout receiving corps, it’s the tailback that will reap the benefits. Insert a back with shiftiness and speed, and you increase your homerun capabilities. Morgan can be that back, already displaying his speed and agility away from the football field.

Morgan’s High School football career ended with a torn ACL, but before he ever put on the pads in September, he was starring in another sport. Last July, Morgan was solidified as the world’s fastest in the 110-meter hurdles for age groups 18-years and under, and did it in a time of 13.28. With full recovery, and a foundation for future success, this track star has the potential to provide many highlight reel moments as a Trojan, and add another prestigious award for “Heisman U”.