USC looking for next great QB

LOS ANGELES» Southern California looks to defend its Pac-12 title with a new quarterback.

The Trojans’ effort to find a successor to Sam Darnold started in earnest when they opened practice Friday night. Touted freshman JT Daniels joined redshirt sophomore Matt Fink and redshirt freshman Jack Sears in the three-man race.

“They are ready to compete. That’s really as much as I can say,” running back Aca’cedric Ware said. “Whoever ends up the starting quarterback, I’ll be happy with.”

Darnold went 20-4 as a starter, becoming the first passer in school history to throw for 4,000 yards in a season and leading USC to its first Pac-12 Conference championship since 2008.

He was drafted third overall by the New York Jets in April after forgoing his final two seasons of eligibility, leaving coach Clay Helton to preside over his second quarterback competition in three years.

Fink was Darnold’s backup last season, appearing in three games and rushing for a 51-yard touchdown against Oregon State. Sears is trying to fill Darnold’s shoes for the second time, having replaced him in high school in San Clemente, California. Daniels was the 2017 Gatorade national high school player of the year. He could become the second freshman to start a season opener for USC after reclassifying to join the Trojans early.

All three had their moments on the first day of camp. Daniels threw a 40yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., but the 18year-old also had a pass intercepted by cornerback Ajene Harris for the day’s only turnover.

Sears found freshman Devon Williams for a long touchdown during 7-on-7s, and Fink was the steadiest of the trio.

Helton said he would name a starter before the season opener against UNLV on Sept. 1, but doesn’t expect to make a decision anytime soon.