Monday was the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the 2018 NFL Draft, adding some clarity to USC Football’s 2018 roster.
The Trojans now know they will lose four players to the NFL: quarterback Sam Darnold, running back Ronald Jones II, wide receiver Deontay Burnett and defensive end Rasheem Green.
Darnold was the first to declare, announcing his intention to leave with a video just days after USC’s Cotton Bowl loss to Ohio State. His departure will accelerate the quarterback battle between Matt Fink, Jack Sears and incoming five-star quarterback JT Daniels. Regardless of who wins the contest, the Trojans new-look offense will feature a first-time starter at quarterback with heavy expectations on his shoulders.