USC managed to hang on for a share of the best record in the Pac-12 South a year ago when it matched Utah at 6-3 in conference play. The Trojans reloaded in the offseason with one of the most talented rosters in the entire country but they also face a difficult schedule that could prevent them from reaching their potential. We took the time to break down which players we feel will be most important to not just USC but to every single team in their division. Here is a look at the most important players in the Pac-12 South division heading in to the 2016 season.
USC: Juju Smith-Schuster
Wide Receiver
College football fans likely have already heard a lot about Smith-Schuster and his elite potential. It won’t take long for casual fans to hear his name a ton as well. Smith-Schuster is arguably the best returning wide receiver in the entire nation and he has the potential to put up absolutely dominant numbers in 2016. The favorite to win the Biletnikoff Award finished last season with 89 catches for 1,454 yards and 10 touchdowns despite being held to under 100 yards receiving in each of the Trojans’ final five games so there is a very good chance he tops those totals this season.
Utah: Lowell Lotulelei
Defensive Tackle
Utah will rely heavily on a defense that projects as one of the best in the Pac-12 with a priority on the defensive line and particularly Lotulelei in the middle. The 6’2’’, 310-pound defensive tackle was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection last season and the expectation is that he will do it again in 2016. A stud defender against bot hthe run and pass, Lotulelei will be the key in the middle for the Utes.
UCLA: Josh Rosen
Quarterback
“Chosen Rosen” lived up to the hype a year ago when he threw for 3,670 yards and 23 touchdowns as a true freshman. The potential is there for him to be that much better in 2016. Another year of experience and chemistry should really benefit the 6’4’’, 210-pound passer that has all of the tools to be an elite quarterback as soon as this season. The main issue is that he had some consistency issues last year – particularly down the stretch – and that’s when UCLA stumbled as a team as well. Rosen has the pedigree to be one of the best quarterbacks in the nation but we need to see him get there. UCLA is expecting him to take another big step forward this year and if he does, they’ll be hanging out near the top of the Pac-12.
Arizona State: Demario Richard
Running Back
Turning to a new quarterback will mean extra pressure on the running back Richard as the Sun Devils look to protect their young passer. Richard is certainly more than capable of carrying the load after he averaged 5.3 yards per carry while topping the 100-yard rushing mark in seven different games as a sophomore last season. He finished sixth in the conference with 1,098 yards. If the Sun Devils offense can be a little more efficient around him, he should be able to do more with the extra space.
Arizona: Anu Solomon
Quarterback
Solomon threw for 3,793 yards as a freshman in 2014 but struggled with inconsistency in 2015. He threw for just 2,667 yards and 20 touchdowns but injuries played a big part of that. He suffered two concussions but the Wildcats are banking on him bouncing back with better protection and more weapons around him in 2016.
The Wildcats have been on the cusp the last couple of years under Rich Rodriguez but haven’t been able to breakthrough. For that to happen, they’ll need Solomon to perform like one of the top quarterbacks in the conference. He has all of the tools to perform at an elite level in 2016 and the key could be a little more help with protection from his offensive line.
Colorado: Shay Fields
Wide Receiver
Colorado lost its all-time receptions leader in Nelson Spruce but has a capable replacement already in place in Fields. The junior receiver was slowed by an ankle injury a year ago but still finished with 42 catches for 598 yards and four touchdowns. Fields doesn’t have elite size at just 5’10’’, but he is an absolute burner and should thrive in the No. 1 role for the Buffaloes in 2016.
