USC’s offensive players hooted as Vavae Malepeai barrelled through a hole, put both hands around the ball and lowered his shoulder into a safety downfield.
It was a rare sight — Malepeai is a freshman. And freshmen have been a reclusive sort at USC this season.
Last season, breakout rookies dotted the depth chart, mostly on defense.
This season, with USC’s roster loaded with young players, the list empty. No true freshman has started a game. Only five have played — receiver Michael Pittman, linebacker Jordan Iosefa, cornerback Jack Jones and defensive ends Connor Murphy and Oluwole Betiku Jr.