USC is traditionally known as “tailback U” with its great running backs: Marcus Allen, Charles White, O.J. Simpson, Mike Garrett, Reggie Bush. However, there have been several dominant wide receivers to come out of USC, and many went on to have immaculate careers in the NFL
When Pete Carroll took over as head coach of USC Trojans football in 2001, he revived the program with a more explosive offense, stellar quarterbacks, and All-American wide receivers. There have been eight Trojan All-American wide receivers in the last 20 years, including Marqise Lee, who recently declared for the 2014 NFL Draft.
After an incredible sophomore season and an injury-plagued, disappointing junior season, where does Lee stand on USC’s top wide receiver list?
We will take a look at the top 5 wide receivers in USC history.
5. Keyshawn Johnson, 1994-95.
Johnson is one of the most recognizable wide receivers in USC history. In just two years as a Trojan, Johnson set two USC career receiving records, two USC season receiving records and one USC single-game record. The 6-4, 210 pound receiver had 17 100-yard receiving games and 12 eight-reception games in his career. In 1995, he was unanimous All-American and led the then-Pac-10 in receptions (8.2 average). He led the Pac-10 in receiving yards in 1994 (114.0 average) and 1995 (110.7 average). Johnson led USC in scoring in 1995 (42 points). Johnson was known for his prolific performance in the big games. He was named the 1995 Cotton Bowl Offensive MVP, catching eight passes for a game record 222 yards and a game record 3 touchdowns. He was also the 1996 Rose Bowl MVP, catching 12 passes for a game record 216 yards and one touchdown. He finished his college career ranked seventh on USC’s career receiving list (168 catches) and 2,796 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was drafted No.1 overall by the New York Jets.
4. Lynn Swann, 1971-73
Swann is one of the most prolific receivers to ever don the cardinal and gold. He didn’t put up any crazy numbers, but he was coach John McKay’s go-to man for the long ball in an offense devoted to running over people with the student-body left and student-body right. In 1973, Swann was a consensus All-American as he helped lead the Trojans to another national championship and a No. 1 ranking. He was USC’s receiving leader in 1971 (27 catches) and 1973 (42 catches, tops in the Pac-8), tied for 24th on USC’s career receiving list (95 catches). He finished his career as a Trojan with 95 receptions, 1,562 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. He was drafted in the first round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played in Super Bowls IX, X, XIII and XIV, earning MVP honors in Super Bowl X. In 1993, Lynn Swann was elected to the college football hall of fame; and in 2005, the great Trojan was inducted into the USC Hall of Fame, a worthy honor for one of the all-time greats.
3. Marqise Lee 2011-13
Blessed with good hands and game-changing speed, Lee is the first Trojan to win the Biletnikoff Award in 2012, awarded to the nation’s best receiver. He was also named 2012 PAC-12 Offensive Player of the Year and finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Lee set or tied 18 USC records in 2012; set PAC-12 season records for receptions (118) and receiving yards (1721) in 2012 and set conference records with 345 receiving yards at Arizona and 251 kickoff return yards in 2012.
He’s 2nd on USC’s career receptions list (248), first in receiving yards (3,655) and third in touchdowns (29). Lee is easily one of the most electrifying receivers to ever play the game, but his knee injury kept him out of three games and significantly slowed him even when he did play. His numbers dropped from his outstanding sophomore campaign which is why he’s No. 3 and not No. 1 on the list.
2. Dwayne Jarrett, 2004-06
Jarrett is one of USC’s strongest receivers in school history, built much like Johnson. Jarrett is USC’s first ever 2-time All-American (unanimous in 2005 and consensus in 2006), finished ninth in the 2006 Heisman Trophy voting and was a finalist for the 2005 Biletnikoff Award. His toughness and abilities helped the Trojans reach the 2004 and 2005 National Championships. He led USC in receiving in 2005 (91 receptions) and his 16 TD catches tied the USC season record. When he declared for the 2007 draft with one year of eligibility remaining, he left as USC’s leading receiver in terms of catches (216), yards (3,138) and scores (41). His strength in the air contributed to his dominance in the red zone.
1. Robert Woods, 2010-12
In just three years at USC, Robert Woods put up some crazy numbers. He ranks first on USC’s all-time receptions list (251), 6th in receiving yards (2,930) and 2nd in touchdowns (32) behind Dwayne Jarrett. The dynamic wideout’s 2011 consensus All-American campaign in which he caught 111 passes for 1,292 yards and 15 touchdowns is one of the greatest seasons for a Pac-12 receiver. In 2012, the 6’1” receiver caught Pac-12 game record-tying 4 touchdown passes against Colorado and broke Johnnie Morton’s record for most catches in a game with 17 against Minnesota in 2011. He’s such an offensive threat down field, teams were forced to double-cover him which forced his numbers to dip as a junior. His combination of production, separation ability and physical skills is why he’s No.1 on the list. He was drafted in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
Honorable mentions:
Johnnie “Hero” Morton (1990-93), Mike Williams (2002-03), Keary Colbert (2000-03)
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