Six Sophomore Starters for 2006

Today we look at 6 first time starters that will play key roles in USC's success. All six players will be sophomores in 2006.

1) LT Gurminder Thind 6'4 290 Sophomore(R)- Thind nailed down the starting LT position during spring practice with an excellent performance. It was expected that Clarence Bailey would be the starter at that position, but Thind performed so well during spring practice that he erased any doubts he can do the job. According to reliable source, Thind was the best pass blocker on the team by late in 2005 season, and was almost inserted into the starting lineup ahead of Jabari Levey for the Independence Bowl. Thind is one of the strongest players on the team, and he is working extremely hard this summer to be ready for the 206 season.

2) RT Jamon Meredith 6'4 290 Sophomore(R)- Meredith started the final four games of the 2005 season, but will be counted on to be the man at RT from the beginning of fall camp this year. The Hillcrest High School product was lightly recruited coming out of high school, but has worked extremely hard to get his body big enough to play offensive tackle in the SEC. Meredith is very athletic and did a good job last season when inserted in the starting lineup.

USC's ability to protect the passer will go a long way towards their success in 2006. With the loss of both Nashon Goddard and Jabari Levey to graduation, Thind and Meredith will be counted on to protect Blake Mitchell in the passing game and open up holes for USC's backs in the running game. If Thind and Meredith perform well, USC should have a pair of solid bookend tackles for the next three seasons.

3) PK Ryan Succop 6'3 214 Sophomore- Last season the Hickory, NC native was USC's kick-off specialist and performed well, with 29 of his 59 kick-offs being touchbacks. Succop attempted two long field goals, missing both from 46 and 50 yards. This season, Succop will assume all the kicking duties, taking over for Josh Brown on punts and field goals. Succop punted well, but was inconsistent during the spring in the field goal department. Succop has one of the strongest legs in the SEC and has connected from 60 yards out in practice.

If USC is to be successful in 2006, Succop will need to be consistent from inside 45 yards.

4) CB Carlos Thomas 5'10 175 Sophomore- Thomas split time between WR and CB last season, along with being USC's primary kick-off returner. This season, Thomas will be asked to make a permanent move to the secondary. Thomas showed quickly last season why he was considered USC's best in man to man coverage, when he intercepted a pass in the end zone late in the first half of USC's 17-15 loss to Georgia. Thomas has the ability to become a special player for USC but must improve his tackling and become a more physical player.

5) OLB Dakota Walker 6'4 242 Sophomore- Despite missing the first four games of the season with an injury, Walker was still named to the SEC All-Freshman team. The Mays Landing, NJ Native tied for the team lead in sacks with 3.5. Walker was moved from DE to the "Wolf" linebacker position at the end of spring practice. USC defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix is counting on Walker being a factor against the pass and the run this year from his LB position. When USC goes to a three- man front, look for walker to rush of the edge from a stand-p position, and could still be used as a DE on obvious passing downs.

6) NT Nathan Pepper 6'1 288 Sophomore- Pepper emerged from spring practice as the starter opposite Marque Hall, passing Stanley Doughty on the depth chart. The Greenville High School product played in nine games last season, and will serve again as the back-up snapper for PAT's and FG's. With Marque Hall poised for a break-out season, USC needs someone else to step up and be a dependable player on the interior of the defensive line. New USC defensive line coach Brad Lawing likes Pepper's mental toughness and approach to the game. He also fits into the system USC will employ up front in 2006. Because USC's defensive linemen will be undersized, they will depend on a lot of pre-snap movement and stunts to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.