Latest news with #KamerynFountain
USA Today
17-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
247Sports names three Trojans as potential Big Ten breakout stars for 2025 season
The start of the 2026 college football season is just weeks away. One of the most exciting parts of each year is seeing new stars emerge in the sport. In a recent story, Matt Zenitz of 247Sports took a look at some potential Big Ten breakout stars for 2025. Three Trojans made the list: Edge rusher Kameryn Fountain, running back Waymong Jordan, and linebacker Desman Stephens II. Here is what Zenitz had to say about each of them: On Fountain 'Kameryn Fountain began to emerge some for USC toward the end of his freshman season last year and was a starter in each of the Trojans' final four games. Now, USC is expecting a second-year jump from the 6-foot-5, 260-pound Fountain, who was a Class of 2024 top-60 overall recruit. ''He's going to break out this year,' a source said.' On Jordan 'Waymond Jordan, the top-ranked JUCO running back in the 2025 recruiting class, has impressed this offseason to the point that he's on track to be USC's starting running back. The 5-foot-9, 210-pound Jordan ran for 1,614 yards and 20 touchdowns in 12 games at Hutchinson Community College last season. "'Waymond is an all-purpose back who has all the tools to be a dynamic back in the Big Ten Conference,' a source said. 'His natural instincts, contact balance and creative running style will provide (USC) with a unique and consistent running game.'' On Stephens 'Desman Stephens II is set to be a starting inside linebacker for USC after making 13 tackles as a freshman last year. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound Stephens had an interception and subsequent 42-yard return during the Trojans' overtime loss to Penn State. ''Big, athletic kid that probably should have played more as a freshman,' a source said. 'Made some plays. Big time (interception) on his first play in the game against Penn State. He has a chance to be really good.'' USC football ceiling The Trojans will need lots of players to play up to or above expectations for this team to have a real chance at making the College Football Playoff. Having these three players live up to their potential would signal a big year for USC. Close margins Virtually every USC game was close in 2025. The Trojans led in nearly every fourth quarter last season. They won a few close ones but lost several. Having players live up to their capacities will push the Trojans over the line and enable them to live on the right side of small margins this season.
Miami Herald
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
USC Defense Preview 2025: The Improved Trojans D Should Be Even Better
The USC defense gets criticized a bit too much, and it needs to be better, but it wasn't totally didn't get into the backfield enough, and it was last in the Big Ten in takeaways, but overall, the defense was far, far better than it was in 2023 when it gave up 447 Trojans gave up 313 points - the fewest in a full season since 2013 - and allowed more than 30 against Notre Dame, Penn State, and Texas A&M. But to be even better, it starts with … X CFN, Fiu | CFN Facebook | Bluesky Fiu, CFN2025 USC PreviewUSC Offense Breakdown Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season- The pass rush. It has to be better and more consistent, but it gets back leading sacker Braylan Shelby - he only came up with three sacks - to go along with fantastic-looking sophomore Kameryn Fountain on on side. Anthony Lucas is back after missing half of the season hurt, but he'll have to hold off top prospect Jahkeem tackles are even better than the good end situation. Getting Keeshawn Silver (Kentucky) and Jamaal Jarrett (Georgia) loads up the interior, with Devan Thompkins and Jide Abrasiri good enough to start, depending on the alignment. - The linebackers should be one of the team's biggest strengths, even with the top two tacklers Easton Mascarenas-Arnold and Mason Cobb done. Eric Gentry is back after missing most of last season hurt, and now the stats will come. Desman Stephens got a little bit of work in as a freshman - he's too good to keep off the field. - It's a stronger USC defense up front, and the secondary should measure up. Kamari Ramsey is still the best player on the defense, and among the top safeties in the Big Ten, and the rest of the defensive backs got an upgrade thanks to the two new Harvey (San Jose State) was a big corner signing coming off a 58-tackle, four-pick, seven tackle for loss season. Bishop Fitzgerald (NC State) was a monster safety over the last two years and should be a playmaker all over the field. Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season2025 USC PreviewUSC Offense Breakdown © 2025 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
