As fall camp approaches, it's time to take a look at some of the USC Trojans players who appeared to step up their game this summer in anticipation of playing a bigger role.
QB Max Browne: Don't get me wrong, Cody Kessler is the Trojans' starting quarterback and the team's undisputed leader. But that shouldn't, and doesn't, take away from where Brown is at right now in his development as he begins his third year on campus. It's a situation that is very similar to where the Trojans were at in the third year of Mark Sanchez, who was forced to sit behind a deserving John David Booty, even though it was fairly clear Sanchez was ready to be a starter. Browne has hit the weight room hard and it shows, he has terrific touch on his passes and he goes through his progressions like a veteran. There will be a lot of talk about Browne potentially making his debut against Alabama to open the 2016 season, but ideally he gets a chance for some extended reps this year to show how good the Trojans have it at the quarterback position.
WR Isaac Whitney: OK, so Whitney is a junior college transfer, which means he didn't have a role with the Trojans last season but he was on campus for spring ball and, while he finished spring in a strong fashion, he has really increased that solid play over into the summer. He has become a consistent target for Kessler in throwing sessions. Possessing a chiseled frame, good speed and reliable hands, it's easy to see Whitney being in the thick of the receiver rotation right away and possibly challenging for the starting spot opposite JuJu Smith.
TE Connor Spears: With all the talk about how shaky things could appear for the Trojans at tight end after losing Bryce Dixon and the uncertain status of Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick, Spears has quietly shown he can be a dependable option if needed. At a time when the Trojans are still not back to a full 85-man roster after the NCAA sanctions, the possibility of having a walk-on like Spears who is not only able to contribute but potentially earn a starting spot is a huge bonus.
Safety Chris Hawkins: Known primarily as a corner in his USC career, Hawkins was given a brief look at safety during bowl practices last December. He was then quickly moved back to corner, which indicated that a full-time position switch might not be in the works. During the spring, Hawkins saw time at both spots but in summer workouts he has been working solely at safety, and appears to be getting more and more comfortable in the role. He's added some bulk to meet the physical demands of safety, and he also brings the cover skills that coach Steve Sarkisian wants in all of his defensive backs. Most importantly, Hawkins has a high football IQ, which should serve him well as he looks to make an impact in his new spot.