Trojans counting on several graduate students in 2015
USC linebacker Anthony Sarao tackles Utah receiver Dres Anderson back in October. Sarao is one of several Trojans players who have already graduated.
USC is expected to receive major contributions this season from several members of its heralded 2015 recruiting class.
But Coach Steve Sarkisian noted Wednesday that the roster also includes 10 graduate students who will help the Trojans.
Quarterback Cody Kessler, tailback Tre Madden, defensive lineman Antwaun Woods, fullback Soma Vainuku, linebacker Anthony Sarao, punter Kris Albarado and tight end Taylor McNamara, a transfer from Oklahoma, are among the players who have graduated.
“When you look at the really good teams that, say, Stanford had a few years back, or even Boston College last year, those are veteran teams with graduate student-type players,” Sarkisian said. “We’re fortunate to have that this year.
“Even though we’ve got some talented young players that are going to play for us, we’ve got some guys that have been through it and that are mature enough to handle adversity that I think are going to help us.”
USC, ranked eighth in the Associated Press media poll and 10th in the coaches poll, open the season Saturday against Arkansas State.
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