The 2019 season did not go as expected for Clay Helton’s Trojans. The team experienced a whirlwind of a season with many ups and downs. However, Helton had some hopeful words in an interview with Bud Elliot on the 247Sports Social Distance series about the upcoming season. Much of the last year’s squad will be returning in 2020 for what Helton believes can the best team in the Pac-12 led by three players who made an impact last season as true freshmen
“Three really stand out. We’ve had some great fortunate in my 10 years here, being able to play freshmen and have freshmen All-Americans. And last year was no exception.”
Those three that stand out to Helton are Quarterback Kedon Slovis, Defensive Lineman Drake Jackson, and Wide Receiver Drake London.
Quarterback, Kedon Slovis
After JT Daniels went down with a season-ending knee injury in last year’s season opener, Slovis stepped up and delivered for the Trojans. The better he got as the season went on, so did the rest of the team. Everything started to click for Slovis who ended the season with:
- a 71.9 completion percentage
- 3,502 yards
- 30 TD/9 INT
Wide Receiver, Drake London
London is a guy that Helton believes is ready to explode on to the scene after he showed what he could do late last season. He brings a physical presence that can only help improve Slovis’ game. The 6’6 wide receiver played in all 13 games (9 starts) and finished with:
- 39 receptions (all but 3 in the last 7 games)
- 567 yards (14.7 avg)
- 5 TD
Defensive End, Drake Jackson
On the other side of the ball, Jackson created havoc for opposing teams. His edge rush gives him a bright future for the Trojans next season. The standout defensive end finished the season with:
- 46 tackles
- 5.5 sacks
- 3 deflections, a forced fumble, and a safety
All three performed well for the Trojans last season despite being true freshmen. With those three set to return as well as a majority of the 2019 squad, the Trojans are set to do big things with Clay Helton having full faith in next year’s team.
Watch Clay Helton’s full interview below.
