USC is going with the veteran at quarterback.
The program announced Saturday that head coach Clay Helton has named redshirt junior Max Browne the team’s starting quarterback. Browne edged out redshirt freshman Sam Darnold.
OFFICIAL: @USCCoachHelton names @MaxBrowne4 the USC starting quarterback. #AllAboutBall pic.twitter.com/sTz32U6ecT
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) August 20, 2016
Browne has spent the past two seasons as USC’s No. 2 QB behind Cody Kessler, a 2016 third round NFL Draft pick of the Cleveland Browns. He has seen action in nine games for the Trojans, completing 11-of-19 passes for 143 yards.
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“We were very happy as a coaching staff with the decision to continue the quarterback competition into our fall training camp,” Helton said. “We believe that the competitive atmosphere that was put in place allowed both quarterbacks to progress as players. We also gained valuable knowledge on each quarterback’s skill sets that will allow us to better game plan this fall. Finally, we learned that these two men are extremely talented, ultracompetitive, and possess all the leadership intangibles that you must have at the position. It made for one of the toughest decisions in my college coaching career. This usually is the case when you have very talented individuals at the same position performing at a high level.
“At this point, we feel that it is in the best interest of our football team to lean on the veteran experience that Max Browne has, so we have named him the starter going into our opening game against Alabama. With our experienced offensive line and the weapons at our skill positions, we as a staff are confident that Max’s ability will help guide a very successful offense.”
Added Browne: “I was thrilled when Coach Helton gave me the news. It was a moment of realization that hard work and staying the course paid off for me. I feel like I have put in the work necessary to earn the starting position and I look forward to leading this team to championships. Sam is a heck of a player and he pushed me to the final day of camp. We are good friends and I have no doubt he will have a great career at USC.”
Browne was the heavy favorite to win the job entering spring practice, but Darnold, a four-star recruit from San Clemente, California, impressed the coaching staff and pushed Brown. Now, with the Trojans two weeks away from opening their season against defending national champion Alabama, Helton decided it was time to make a decision.
“The performance by Sam Darnold at such a young age in both spring and fall camps has made us very confident as a staff that Sam could enter any game and our offense would not miss a beat,” Helton said. “Though we will not rotate quarterbacks, we do envision using Sam’s unique athletic skill set for special situations throughout games this season.
“I personally appreciate how both men handled this competition with great maturity and comradery. After sharing the news with them today, both showed tremendous class and integrity. It is a great reflection of both men’s character. We are very fortunate to have them on our football team. I look forward to watching both have highly successful football careers here at USC.”
Browne, a five-star recruit in the 2013 class, admitted to reporters he would have considered a graduate transfer if he lost the job to Darnold. Per the Los Angeles Times, Darnold said he would stick it out with the Trojans no matter the outcome.
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“I was disappointed in the outcome but confident in Coach Helton’s decision,” Darnold said Saturday. “Coach spent lots of time watching the film and making his evaluation. I am proud of the performance I gave during practices and I felt that I made huge strides in terms of leadership. I will continue to work hard and prepare as if I’m the starter, so I will be ready when my name is called. I’m proud of Max for what he has done and how he competed. The competition made us both better. I have no desire to leave USC, this is the place for me. ”
For more USC news, visit TrojanSports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
