USC football was navigating unknown waters this season after the NCAA instituted new rules allowing players to participate in up to four games while saving their redshirt eligibility.
How did the Trojans navigate the new rules? They appeared to take full advantage of the change.
Based on participation records available online, USC had 19 players take a redshirt in 2018, though many of them were not freshmen.
Of the Trojans’ 17 scholarship freshmen in the class of 2018, eight burned their redshirts. That number includes starters like quarterback JT Daniels, linebacker Palaie Gaoteote, cornerback Olaijah Griffin, safety Talanoa Hufanga and wide receiver Amon-Ra St.