Back to the USC Trojans Newsfeed

USC head coach Clay Helton happy Sam Darnold is getting fresh start with Panthers

The USC Trojans had one player selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker went 14th overall to the New York Jets.

Vera-Tucker is joining the team that selected a former USC QB No. 3 overall at the 2018 draft. Sam Darnold spent three seasons with the Jets before being traded to the Carolina Panthers following New York’s selection of Zach Wilson No. 2 overall.

The 23-year-old Darnold completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 8,097 yards, 45 touchdowns and 39 interceptions during his tenure in the Big Apple.