USC quarterback Sam Darnold will turn an NFL franchise around

If you come up with a prototypical mold of a potential NFL franchise quarterback, USC’s Sam Darnold checks most of the boxes. He has good size, one of the best arms to come out of college in some time, has a solid character and the ability to shake off mistakes.

However, it’s in those mistakes and a slight regression in 2017 that has both scouts and fans puzzled about his future as a pro signal-caller. After the Trojans started a dismal 1-3 in 2016 with Max Browne under center, head coach Clay Helton turned to Darnold and the redshirt freshman phenom didn’t disappoint.

The highlight of that season was one of the better Rose Bowls in recent memory, as Darnold led USC to a 52-49 victory over…