When the NCAA handed down the sanctions on the USC Trojans, everybody knew what kind of implications this meant.
For one, the two-year postseason ban that kept them out of any Conference Championship game or Bowl game that they may have been eligible. Then, of course, there was the loss of scholarships that they could offer incoming freshmen, taking the total from 25 to 15 each year for the next three years. Finally, the reduction of how many scholarship players can be on the roster going into the season to 75 total.
[caption id="attachment_168" align="alignright" width="254" caption="Former Florida Gators Defensive Back Josh Shaw"]
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With those penalties on the team, it was evident that there would be some issues that the team would have to deal with. Nonetheless, the Trojans are trying their best to fight through it and the blows begin with players beginning to transfer. Of course, what that means is when one person leaves, it opens a spot for someone else to take.
It all begins with the loss of Dillon Baxter, the running back that was supposed to be the next Reggie Bush. Unfortunately for the Trojans, Baxter couldn't emulate the hype and he fell off the depth chart. Now it is expected that Baxter will join the San Diego State Aztecs in an attempt to make up for the hype.
Following to San Diego State is senior wide receiver Brice Butler. Butler has graduated already, so he won't have to sit out next season before he can play.
Amir Carlisle, the freshman running back that showed flashes last year, has left the team as well, transferring to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to be closer to his family. The departure of Carlisle, Butler and Baxter leaves the Trojans thin at the offensive skill positions that was a strength last year.
Defensive backs T.J. Bryant and Patrick Hall, and defensive lineman Armond Armstead have either left, or are expected to leave the program as well.
However, as previously stated, the departure of one player equals room for another and in this case, one player is Joshua Shaw. The defensive back from the Florida Gators, who transferred to be closer to his ailing father and grandfather, should add plenty of depth in the Trojans already strong defensive backfield.
The Trojans roster is currently expected to be at 66 when all of the transfers in this list take place. The Trojans expect to lose around four to six more players as a result a transfer. If that holds true, the Trojans could sign all 15 of the incoming freshmen and still be at the roster limit.
Oh, the transfers. Welcome to the world of sanctions.
Brandon Williams has been a freelance writer for 10 years and currently runs the blog at Sports Reviews. Follow him on Twitter @BW_WritesSports.
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