USC's quarterback competition could be nearing a conclusion

USC’s quarterback competition could be nearing a conclusion

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Head Coach Clay Helton watches his Trojan squad on the first day of spring practice at USC’s Howard Jones Field.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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The Trojans football team runs a lap on the first day of spring practice at USC’s Howard Jones Field.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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Quarterback Max Browne is fighting for a starting job on the first day of spring practice at USC’s Howard Jones Field.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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Quarterback Max Browne (4) huddles up with teammates on the first day of spring practice at USC’s Howard Jones Field.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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Wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster makes a catch on the first day of spring practice at USC’s Howard Jones Field.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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Tailback Aca’Cedric Ware runs the ball on the first day of spring practice at USC’s Howard Jones Field.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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Quarterback Max Browne throws a pass on the first day of spring practice at USC’s Howard Jones Field on March 8.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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Wide receiver Darreus Rogers runs the ball upfield on the first day of spring practice at USC’s Howard Jones Field.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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Wide receiver Ajene Harris returns punts on the first day of spring practice at USC’s Howard Jones Field.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu runs through drills on the first day of spring practice at USC’s Howard Jones Field.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

By Zach Helfand

April 12, 2016 7:07 PM PT

USC could soon have a quarterback. Maybe.

Coach Clay Helton said Tuesday that he plans to name a starting quarterback well before fall camps begins, though he left open the possibility that the decision could stretch longer.

When asked directly when he would pick a starter, Helton said, “It’ll be shortly after the spring game,” which USC will hold Saturday.

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He soon added,“if I feel there’s a huge gap.”

Through 13 spring practices, Max Browne, a redshirt junior, has competed with redshirt freshman Sam Darnold for the job.

A quicker decision could indicate encouraging news for Browne. Both quarterbacks have said Browne’s experience gave him the early advantage entering spring practice. Browne said he came into the spring thinking he could win the job before fall camp.

“If it happens it happens, if it doesn’t it doesn’t,” Browne said after Tuesday’s practice. “But that was my mind-set coming into spring.”

Helton said he hasn’t seen enough separation from either quarterback to name a starter going into the spring game. He said he will “have a gut feeling” after evaluating how each quarterback reacts to the pressure of playing in front of a crowd and on television,

“I promise you I’m going to have a decision before that first game” against Alabama in September, Helton said. “We’re not playing two quarterbacks.”

Follow Zach Helfand on Twitter @zhelfand