USC announced its depth chart Sunday night and perhaps the biggest surprise was at safety, where converted cornerback Chris Hawkins is listed as the starter alongside Leon McQuay.
The expected starter, John Plattenburg, experienced injury issues during training camp and is listed behind Hawkins at strong safety. Impressive freshman Marvell Tell is the backup to McQuay.
“They’re all going to play Saturday (against Arkansas State),” USC coach Steve Sarkisian said.
Whoever plays, the safety position will be major question mark entering the season because star playmaker Su’a Cravens moved to linebacker. Hawkins struggled last season at cornerback and started playing safety in spring practice.