Max Browne leads USC quarterback competition at spring practice

USC resumed practice Tuesday after taking a week off for spring vacation.

The workout ended when Max Browne completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Ajene Harris.

Browne, a fourth-year junior, leads the competition to be the starting quarterback, alsong with redshirt sophomore Jalen Greene, redshirt freshman Sam Darnold and freshman Matt Fink.

“You expect him to be the one who is poised and making plays, making that throw right there to end the red zone competition,” Coach Clay Helton said of Browne. “You expect that from him and then you see you some talented, three young guys, that are in the fourth practice trying to catch up.”

Helton said Greene, Darnold and Fink “seem to get better with each practice.”

The question remains if they can close the gap with Browne in the 11 remaining workouts.

“Only four practices in, I think it’s early for sure, but I’m confident with what I’m doing,” said Browne, who was Cody Kessler’s backup the last two seasons.

The Trojans will practice Saturday in the Coliseum, providing a better opportunity for evaluation, Helton said.

“We’re going to see who moves the ball, who produces, and who puts points on the board,” Helton said.

Follow Lindsey Thiry on Twitter @LindseyThiry