(Writer’s note: For now at least.)
Late last night, Steve Sarkisian did what’s long been expected and officially tapped the incumbent, Cody Kessler, as USC’s starting quarterback.
Because his prime competition for the job, Max Browne was a high-profile recruit -- he was Rivals.com’s No. 1 quarterback in the Class of 2013 -- who could be in for a second consecutive season of inactivity, the “T” word came front and center when it came to Browne’s future with the Trojans. According to the player, however, that’s not an option for him -- ever.
“I’m staying put,” Browne said when asked about a potential transfer. “I’m here for good.”
Sarkisian attempted to soften the sting of losing the battle, telling the media “I think Max is going to be a star.”
That’s all well and good in the here and now, but the future doesn’t look very promising for Browne at USC, at least as far as seeing the playing field goes. Including 2014, Kessler still has two years of eligibility remaining. As a redshirt sophomore last season and tasked with the responsibility of replacing longtime starter Matt Barkley, Kessler performed exceptionally well as he completed just over 65 percent of his passes for 20 touchdowns against just seven interceptions.
Another factor that could lead to an about-face from Browne? Ricky Town, the top quarterback in the Class of 2014, verbally committed to play for the Trojans this past January and is expected to be a part of USC’s recruiting class next year.