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Per USC standards, 2009 was a disappointment. In head coach Pete Carroll’s final season with the team, they finished with a 9-4 record (5-4 in Pac-10 play) and a win over Boston College in the Emerald Bowl. With multiple titles and Pac-10 championships, this was below average for the USC Trojans of this decade. After Carroll resigned as the head coach, former offensive coordinator and Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin was brought in to man the team. He brings his father Monte Kiffin and defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron with him to Southern California. After a solid recruiting class to go along with returning players, the future seems to look bright. Here are 20 players that you should look out for in the 2010 season.

(In no particular order)

1. Matt Barkley, QB

After starting as a freshman, Barkley looks to come back with a stellar 2010 season. He finished 2009 with a 59.9 completion percentage. He had 2,735 yards to go with 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Showing flashes last year, Barkley looks to retain his position as starting quarterback and lead USC to a better record in his 2nd year.

2. Chris Galippo, LB

Since Galippo arrived at USC, he had high expectations placed upon him. Unfortunately, he hasn’t fully lived up to those. He finished last season with 70 tackles, 8 of them being for a loss and 1.5 sacks. He also added 2 interceptions. It will be interesting to see if the junior can improve and become the physical presence he was expected to be.

3. Jurrell Casey, DT

The versatile junior put on a show last year with solid numbers. As a 2009 starter, Casey finished the season with 59 tackles, 9 of them for a loss of yardage and 4.5 sacks. He’ll look to continue starting at defensive tackle and make a name for himself going into the 2010 season.

4. Dillon Baxter, TB/WR

Through spring practice and one YouTube video later, Baxter is being considered a threat to score from anywhere on the field. The versatile tailback/wide receiver is explosive and can make an immediate impact for the Trojans as a freshman. If he continues to display his cutback ability and speed, he could be a constant rotation player for the offense.

5. Nick Perry, DE

Perry played sparingly in 2009, but proved to be one of the quickest defensive linemen with his team best 8 sacks. He added 24 tackles and 9 tackles for a loss in his limited time on the field. As a redshirt sophmore, Perry will battle for a starting spot on the defensive line.

6. Devon Kennard. DE/LB

Making one of the biggest moves this season is Kennard. Starting his career at USC as a backup defensive end, he was pushed into an outside linebacker spot. Now Kennard will battle with Galippo for the middle linebacker spot, but his versatility could land him at any linebacker or defensive end position. He finished 2009 with 34 tackles and 2 tackles for a loss.

7. Kristofer O’Dowd, C

After injuries slowed him down in 2009, O’Dowd looks to pick back up and anchor the offensive line in 2010. He’s arguably the best center in the nation and will look to continue holding that reputation in his senior season. Very experienced and well rounded, O’Dowd is a probable 1st round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

8. Shareece Wright, CB

Set to be the starter at cornerback in 2009, Wright was ruled ineligble due to academic reasons. He regained eligibility for the Emerald Bowl and helped with 2 tackles and an interception which led to a USC touchdown. Wright has shown flashes and if he can stay on the field, could be a big contributor.

9. Stanley Havili, FB

Havili is arguably the most complete fullback in the nation. He provides excellent blocking skills as well as the ability to run and catch out of the backfield. His 84 career receptions is the most by a fullback in USC history. On his career, he has 55 carries, 343 yards and 2 touchdowns to accompany his 84 receptions, 894 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns.

10. Ronald Johnson, WR

Johnson is a speedy threat to go down field. He provides ability in the receiving and kickoff return games. Most likely a starter in 2010, Johnson has 74 receptions on his career for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’ll look to provide the same big play threat that he did in 2008 before a down season in 2009.

11. Allen Bradford, TB

The big, bruising Bradford looks to build on a breakout 2009 season in which he rushed for 668 yards and 8 touchdowns on 115 carries. As a senior, he’ll look to continue making a big impact from the tailback position. His punishing running style has him in line for another solid season.

12. Seantrel Henderson, OT

The mammoth man from Minnesota could be an instant starter in his freshman year at USC. The 6′8″, 340 lbs. monster is being labeled as one of the most polished linemen of the past decade and has a lot of expectations to live up to. It’s possible for him to start right away on the offensive line at USC.

13. Robert Woods, WR

One of the top receivers in this year’s recruiting class, Woods will look to make an impression right away. The 6′2″, 185 lbs. athlete made a huge impact in his senior year as high school, now he’s attempting to do the same as a freshman at USC. His big play ability will be a factor on the Trojans offense.

14. Malcolm Smith, LB

The younger brother of New York Giants’ wide receiver Steve Smith, Malcolm had a very successful 2009 season. His 72 tackles ranked second on the team and added 6 tackles for a loss and 1 interception which he turned into a 62-yard touchdown. His success last season should help in his quest to start again and make a huge impact in 2010.

15. Armond Armstead, DE

In 2009, Armstead moved from defensive tackle to defensive end. Unfortunately, his season was shortened due to injuries prior to the season. He played in the final 8 games accumulating just 6 tackles. He will battle it out for a starting spot again as a junior. His versatility along the defensive line will help.

16. Wes Horton, DE

Horton started the first 9 games of the 2009 season and put up average numbers. His 20 tackles were solid for his freshman season, but now he wants to make an even bigger impact as a redshirt sophmore. He’ll attempt to win the starting defensive end spot in a strong competition.

17. Marshall Jones, S

Prior to the 2009 season, Jones was moved from safety to cornerback where he was a backup and a special teamer. After a sprained neck ended his season just 4 games in, Jones is making the move back to safety for his junior year. He will compete to get into the rotation at safety and should continue making an impact on special teams.

18. Michael Morgan, LB

The quick and agile Morgan started 9 games for USC last season before becoming a key back up and a big help in passing situations. He finished with 50 tackles and led the team with 13 for a loss. He also added 4 sacks. Morgan will attempt to earn his starting spot back, but regardless, will play a crucial part in the Trojans’ defense.

19. Blake Ayles, TE

A backup in 2009, Ayles is looking forward to competing for a starting spot at tight end. The junior has played sparringly in his career, gaining just 128 yards and 1 touchdown on 13 receptions. Under Kiffin, he’ll hope to be utilized more and showcase his abilities.

20. Tyron Smith, OT

Smith, a starter at right tackle for the Trojans in 2009, will most likely keep that spot. The junior played well, but missed the Emerald Bowl due to academic ineligibility. If he could build on his already solid career, Smith will protect Barkley for 2010.

With tons of new weapons in place and returning starters, the Trojans could improve upon their down season in 2009. Watch for these players to help USC make a push to the top of the rankings again.

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