Coach Pete Carroll's recruiting success is about to be put to the test in particular on offense where only five starters return. The famed QB lineage for USC has been well documented since Palmer and Leinart won a Heisman Trophy. Exit John David Booty and enter Mark Sanchez…for now. This spring will be crucial for Sanchez as he attempts to hold off highly-touted Razorback-transfer Mitch Mustain. Sanchez played sparingly in 2007, and in the process, Sanchez struggled at times with interception problems and hesitation. With a year under his belt, the results must improve for him to keep a hold of the top spot on the depth chart. The receivers will have higher expectations placed upon them with a year under their belts. Phenom Vidal Hazelton is the most athletic playmaker on this side of the ball, yet all eyes will be on the OL. Looking at some of the departures and with a possibility that others could announce early for the NFL, there is cause for some concern. Again, how good has this recruiting been? Their plethora of four- and five-star finds will find out real quick if they are worth their ratings. Just like a year ago, the defense will be the strength of this team. LBs Cushing and Maualuga are worthy of preseason All-American status, and the secondary has improved by leaps and bounds over the course of the past few seasons. USC ranked in the top ten in most defensive categories this past fall, and the gist of the lineup remains intact. The two biggest holes needing filled will be on the DL - two All-Americans need replacing in Jackson and Ellis. The Trojans are accustomed to starting the season at the top of the polls, but they’ve proved themselves recently to be human. The two-loss regular season had to be a big disappointment to the USC fans, coaches and players, though their vulnerability is a light at the end of the tunnel for foes...USC can be beaten. Ergo, USC will not start out ‘08 as the overwhelming national favorite. The Trojans however, will still be in a prime position to play for all the marbles should they win out, which is always a strong possibility with coach Carroll leading this charge.