USC Football Mailbag: What Should We Expect From Jack Jones?

USC Football Mailbag: What Should We Expect From Jack Jones? by Tarik LaCour

Linebacker Cameron Smith is listed as the new No. 55 on USC football’s 2016 roster, plus more Trojan news from around the web.

Can’t get enough USC football and basketball news? We’ve got your morning dose of all the best content from around the web concerning the men of Troy.

1st & 10:

First Take… UPDATE 6/14: USC’s roster has been changed to list Cameron Smith back at No. 35 with the No. 55 standing vacant once more. The freshmen numbers remain as they were.

There’s been no indication whether or not listing Smith at No. 55 on Monday was a mistake or simply prematurely revealed.

ORIGINAL: It seems USC has a new No. 55, while the crop of 2016 Trojan freshman finally have their new numbers.

Cameron Smith, who wore No. 35 as a freshman, is now listed at No. 55 on USC’s 2016 roster. The last Trojan to wear the famous linebacker number was Lamar Dawson, but he failed to live up to the legacy of the jersey after taking it on as a freshman.

Following Dawson’s graduation, speculation about who would take on the jersey made special by the likes of Junior Seau, Willie McGinest, Chris Claiborne and Keith Rivers. However, there were no indications that it would be assigned a new home.

If there was one player deemed worthy, it was Smith. His stellar freshman season suggests the number will thrive once more on the Trojan defense. He was second on the team in tackles before suffering a season-ending knee injury against Colorado.

Notably among the freshmen, cornerback Jack Jones took on the No. 1, which might limit his ability to get in the game on offense with Darreus Rogers already holding the number. However, he is listed as a DB-WR, as is Keyshawn “Pie” Young, who now shares the No. 17 with early enrollee receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe.

Receiver Tyler Vaughns took up Su’a Cravens old No. 21 while Velus Jones Jr. shares No. 23 with cornerback Jonathan Lockett.

Here’s the full list of new freshman (and JC transfer) numbers:

Jack Jones — #1

Keyshawn “Pie” Young — #17

Tyler Vaughns — #21

Velus Jones Jr. — #23

Vavae Malepeai — #29

Jamel Cook — #31

Jordan Iosefa — # 48

Frank Martin — #65

E.J. Price — #75

Trevon Sidney — #81

Cary Angeline — #86

Connor Murphy — #90

Josh Fatu — #98

Also of note on the roster, Ajene Harris and Jalen Greene remain listed at receiver and quarterback respectively despite spending time at cornerback and wide receiver this offseason.

And Ten USC Football and Basketball News Links…

Social Media Snapshot:

The moment when @USCCoachHelton extended 2018 WR @_ujdkchase a #USC scholarship offer after the 7on7 tournament. pic.twitter.com/UqvorQM3Ln — Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) June 13, 2016

Truly blessed to receive my 4th offer from the University of Southern California!!! pic.twitter.com/A8hpt2vKgK — Ç-DUB (@_ujdkchase) June 12, 2016

Been doubted all my life… That’s been my main motivation — Biggie (@iman_marshall8) June 12, 2016