Here are 5 positions where USC cannot afford injuries

LOS ANGELES >> Quarterback Sam Darnold was asked if his wrist would get sore Saturday at USC’s spring game. Not from the six passes he threw in the Trojans’ spring game but from signing autographs for hundreds of fans afterward.

“I might have to ice it,” Darnold joked.

USC no longer faces the burden of NCAA-mandated scholarship limitations but as it heads into the 2017 season, the Trojans cannot afford an injury at certain positions. Here’s a look at the thinnest spots:

Quarterback

Everyone already knew Darnold is irreplaceable, but the spring reinforced it. Matt Fink was better than a year ago but still has a lot of to do before becoming a full-time player. Jack Sears started slowly and steadily improved but needs a redshirt year. At least no one is expected to transfer.

Cornerback

USC had only three healthy front-line cornerbacks for the spring scrimmage: Iman Marshall, Jack Jones and Ajene Harris. The good news is they are all projected starters. The bad news is Pac-12 defenses play almost an entire game in nickel defenses, which requires three cornerbacks at all times.

This presents two problems for USC: The coaches don’t know yet if Jones is ready for a full-time role. He struggled in the Rose Bowl and the coaches definitely limited him during the regular season. The coaches embraced Jones more in the spring but tried to keep him grounded.

The other issue is what happens if Marshall, Jones or Harris get hurt?

Jonathan Lockett played nickel back last season before he got hurt. After that, it’s junior Isaiah Langley plus a couple incoming freshmen (Je’Quari Godfrey, Greg Johnson).

“When he stepped on the field in high school, he was the king of the hill,” USC secondary coach Ronnie Bradford said of Jones. “Now there are a lot of king of the hills. It’s not those high school quarterbacks that throw balloon balls.”

USC also needs to figure out what do with safety/nickel back Jamel Cook. He had three interceptions in one practice but is more comfortable playing safety, where there is less chance for playing time.

Kicker

Helton was asked Saturday if freshman Michael Brown was the starter in his mind? Helton would not confirm Brown would be the Trojans’ kicker but no one else attempted a field goal during the spring scrimmage. Brown had seven attempts and made five with a long of 50.

Helton said he is looking for consistency from Brown. But what’s the alternative? There is no indication Rose Bowl-hero Matt Boermeester will return after an alleged incident with a female student. USC has not comment on Boermeester other than to say he is suspended from the football program. But he is not even attending classes at USC this semester.

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In early March, USC added kicker Chase McGrath (Mater Dei High). He kicked five field goals last season for the Monarchs.

The bottom line is Brown is unproven and after him things are even more suspect.

Offensive Tackle

The left tackle is currently manned by Chuma Edoga, who is highly rated but spent part of last season in the doghouse. Remember when he was ejected after shoving a game official? Edoga said he is more mature now, but what happens if he gets hurt? USC would probably move veteran Toa Lobendahn from guard to tackle. But that creates a domino effect that allows someone untested to play guard.

Lurking in the background is offensive tackle E.J. Price, who left or was removed from the team last September. He did not practice in the spring but could return in the fall. But that means he did not practice for nearly 12 months.

Tailback

This is the one spot where USC can afford an injury but needs to be discussed because it is so high profile. Ronald Jones will start but the highly touted Stephen Carr arrives in the summer. Aca’Cedric Ware was effective in a reserve role and Vavae Malepeai is a physical back with speed who impressed everyone in the spring. It will just be a matter of getting him carries.