Traditionally, USC has been known for great running backs: O.J. Simpson, Mike Garrett, Marcus Allen and others. But after Pete Carroll resurrected the program, the quarterbacks and wide receivers, along with running back Reggie Bush (he doesn’t count anymore, if you know what I mean) dominated the offensive attack. Lane Kiffin has continued this trend, utilizing All-American Robert Woods, Heisman-hopeful and consensus All-American Marqise Lee and newcomer Nelson Agholor in his offense.
While the “stable of wide receivers” has been a recent trend, USC has a decent case to make in their self-proclaimed receiver dominance. There have been eight Trojan All-American wide receivers in the last 20 years, including Dwayne Jarrett who won the honor twice. Lynn Swann, Curtis Conway, Johnnie Morton, Keyshawn Johnson, R. Jay Soward, Keary Colbert, Steve Smith, Dwayne Jarrett and Mike Williams' lefty one-hander all appear in the video.
The video showing the highlights of these great Trojan receivers through history is in response to the other college team in Los Angeles calling themselves “Linebacker U,” last week. Basically, Anthony Barr has one good season at UCLA and they’re “Linebacker U.” They do have a good group at the position for 2013, but one year does not make them a football factory. Historically, Penn State has been known as “Linebacker U” and unfortunately for UCLA, USC has more of a claim to that designation. Junior Seau, Clay Matthews, Keith Rivers, Willie McGinest and Brian Cushing come to mind as USC’s linebacking alumni. And Alabama has a history of some decent linebackers, so does Miami.
Is it time for UCLA to post another “The Football Monopoly in LA is over” ad in the LA Times? Other than last year’s victory over a miserably depressing USC team, USC has defeated UCLA 134-28 the previous four years combined. And a team that gives up 49 points in its bowl game, shouldn’t be bragging about any part of its defense.
