Although entering USC as a highly touted quarterback prospect, John David Booty spent his first three years at USC as the back-up to eventual Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart, who had replaced former Heisman winner Carson Palmer. Booty had back surgery to repair a bulging disk in his spine at the end of March 2006, but fully recovered and earned the starting spot for the 2006 season.

As a freshman, he helped Trojan fans get over the loss of former USC standout wide receiver, Mike Williams. He played in all 13 games and started 8 of them. He caught 55 passes for 849 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also made 5 catches for 115 yards in USC’s FedEx Orange Bowl victory over Oklahoma in 2004.

As a sophomore, USC Jersey #8 made a big leap, becomin

It seems the 6-foot-5 OJ Mayo’s all about getting you to change your thinking. Role reversals.

Unknowns are supposed to come to L.A. to get discovered. Here’s a star in the making that just brought an unheralded program into the national conversation.

Top prospects are supposed to be swamped by eager recruiters. Mayo’s the one who wanted to wear the