It is getting kind of old to continually have to read about how Coach Helton and his staff doesn't develop their players. This was certainly the case during the Sarkiffen Frat Boy Era when highly ranked players would be drafted much lower than their initial rankings coming out of high school. This is not the case now as can be seen with our three early entrants into the NFL draft.
Sam Darnold, who will be a top five overall pick, was the #8 ranked quarterback in his class and ranked 179 overall in the 2015 class. Deontay Burnett was the #59 ranked WR and was not ranked nationally. Ronald Jones was the #8 ranked running back and will be drafted in the second round. He came into SC with great speed and some "wiggle". He will leave as a NFL ready running back. He is a elusive, durable, powerful runner, who is good in protection, and can catch the ball out of the backfield. In each case these athletes were transformed into NFL ready players during their time as Trojans.
More importantly, each of these athletes have developed into outstanding young men and fine representatives of our institution under Coach Helton's tutelage.
Sam Darnold, who will be a top five overall pick, was the #8 ranked quarterback in his class and ranked 179 overall in the 2015 class. Deontay Burnett was the #59 ranked WR and was not ranked nationally. Ronald Jones was the #8 ranked running back and will be drafted in the second round. He came into SC with great speed and some "wiggle". He will leave as a NFL ready running back. He is a elusive, durable, powerful runner, who is good in protection, and can catch the ball out of the backfield. In each case these athletes were transformed into NFL ready players during their time as Trojans.
More importantly, each of these athletes have developed into outstanding young men and fine representatives of our institution under Coach Helton's tutelage.
