Description

{mosimage}The USC Trojans
have a long history of producing Heisman caliber running backs, among
them Reggie Bush, Charles White, Marcus Allen and O.J.Simpson. This
year’s crop of runners is certainly no different, with one noticeable
exception, they have so many promising candidates that the USC backfield
is run by committee. Here then are the tailbacks that make up the USC’s
2007 rushing attack.

Stafon
Johnson

Stafon is a
6-1, 210 lbs, promising sophomore from California who has run well for
USC this year. Lightly used in 2006, he had strong outings against Nebraska
and Washington this season, going over the 100 yard mark in each game.
Though an injury kept Johnson from playing in the game against Stanford,
so far this season he has gained 378 yards on 46 attempts, giving him
an average of 8.2 yards a carry. In USC’s early season victory against
Nebraska, Johnson was named Pac-10 Offensive player of the week after
a career-best 144 yard performance. A local prep standout, Johnson set
an L.A City high school career record with 5,777 yards rushing, and
added 58 touchdowns in the process. 

Chauncey
Washington

Chauncey is
another 6-2, 210 lbs, tailback out of California. A Junior, he enjoyed
a successful 2006 campaign netting 744 yards on 147 carries and scoring
nine touchdowns for the Trojans. Having missed two seasons earlier in
his college career due to academic ineligibility, Washington is making
up for lost time this season, posting 308 yards and five touchdowns
through USC’s first five games. Like Johnson, Chauncey also enjoyed
a storied high school football career, and doubled as a track star running
a 10.5 100 meters while in school.

Hershel
Dennis

Dennis is the
old man of the group. He is a sixth-year Senior who has never lived
up to expectations due to injuries. However, the lightning quick runner
has gained over 900 yards for the Trojans during his college career,
despite losing playing time in the past to Reggie Bush and LenDale White.
This year Dennis has appeared in two games for USC, gaining 48 yards
on the ground for them. 

C.J. Gable

Despite being
a Sophomore, Gable has plenty of experience running the ball for USC
having gained 434 yards for them on the ground as a Freshman. 
C.J. also handled some kick off returning duties, averaging over 27
yards a return for the team. This year Gable has remained in the rotation,
adding 143 yards rushing in only 13 carries. 

Joe McKnight

McKnight is
another track star with exceptional speed. The Freshman ran a 10.4 100
meters while in high school, and was a Parade All-American for his school
in Louisiana. This year McKnight has seen some mop up duty, running
for 79 yards on 16 carries.