(Photos by USCfootball.com)

With all posturing focused on asking Jeremy Bates who is in the lead to become USC’s next starting QB, let’s look at the position where we’ll see three new faces.

#6 Malcom Smith, WLB, 6’1″ 225 lb – The younger brother of two-time national champion and Super Bowl champion Steve Smith. Undersized but versatile. Played RB in high school and could be playing strong safety if not for Taylor Mays owning that part of the field.

#54 Chris Galippo, MLB, 6’2″ 255 lb – Nicknamed the “Gladiator”, everyone has been waiting for this famous Friar to take the field. Now it looks like his time, but scout team nemesis and the only LB left from the famous 2005 class, Luthur Brown, is right behind him should health be an issue.

#17 Michael Morgan, SLB, 6’4″ 220 lb – Undersized but lanky. Super long arms and super speed (recently ran a 4.39 40) will give him the tools to succeed in this position vacated by Brian Cushing.

Pads go on this Thursday. And we’ll keep you up to date on the new USC linebacker corps.

2009 Spring Ball Opener [USCfootball.com]