USC Just Upgraded Their Reload if Darnold Goes Pro

On or around Fri 29 Dec, when the USC Trojans clash with Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, slinger Sam Darnold will have most likely decided his plans for next season.

Dude's doesn't necessarily share the opinion of crosstown rival Josh Rosen that juggling academics and athletics is overwhelming.

So overwhelming, in fact, that he's bagging both this month to be in shape for the 2018 NFL draft.

Dude's leaving a rough life, all right.

Darnold's gonna be a redshirt junior if he returns in 2018. He's gonna be rich if he doesn't. The question is, does he think it'd be better to be The Man for another season at USC and possibly raise his stock even more?

Conversely, he could be as inconsistent as he was this past season or possibly suffer an injury, either of which could have an adverse effect on his bank account.

Trojan coach Clay Helton isn't going white-knuckle on the issue.

One reason why is his top QB prospect for 2019 just accelerated his college entry to next year.

JT Daniels will be welcomed with open arms in the Land of Troy.

Let us observe his references ...

... As well as a few of his better moments at Mater Dei High School:

Looks like dude's got it made in the shade.

However, as with anything, past performance is no guarantee of future results, as this list of Gatorade Player of the Year winners since 2004 indicates:

Same goes for rankings of recruits and recruiting classes, as all realists know.

Still, Clay Helton's gotta like his chances for next season, either way.