USC quarterback battle will continue

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES

Southern California’s three-way competition for the starting job at quarterback will go down to the final weekend before the season.

Coach Clay Helton said Tuesday night that he won’t choose Sam Darnold’s successor with the No. 15 Trojans until a day or two after Saturday’s mock game.

Redshirt freshman Jack Sears, redshirt sophomore Matt Fink and true freshman J.T. Daniels have all received ample practice time with the first-team offense over three weeks of training camp, and they all got opportunities to shine in a pair of scrimmages.

“I wanted to continue the process because I want the guys to continue to compete,” Helton said. “They all need to progress. And I want to make sure that I’m right, too. Another week does not hurt to be able to put us in that situation. We’re getting plenty of work with all three, and I think it makes all three of them better players if called upon in the season.”

After evaluating the mock game with his coaches, Helton will speak with all three quarterbacks and their families before announcing his starter for their season opener against UNLV on Sept. 1.