Sam Darnold's College Career: Where Did He Play?

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Sam Darnold carved out an impressive path to the NFL. But before the bright lights and roaring crowds of professional football, he honed his skills at the collegiate level. Let's dive into where Sam Darnold went to college and explore his achievements there.

University of Southern California (USC): Darnold's College Home

Sam Darnold attended the University of Southern California (USC), a Pac-12 powerhouse located in Los Angeles. He committed to USC as a highly-touted recruit and quickly made a name for himself within the Trojans' football program. USC provided Darnold with the platform to showcase his talent, develop his skills, and ultimately prepare for the NFL Draft.

Darnold's Impact at USC

  • Redshirt Freshman Season (2015): Darnold redshirted his first year, allowing him to acclimate to the college game and learn the playbook.
  • Breakout Sophomore Season (2016): He took over as the starting quarterback early in the 2016 season and led the Trojans to a remarkable turnaround. Darnold's performance earned him widespread recognition, including Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year honors.
  • Rose Bowl Heroics (2017): Darnold capped off the 2016 season with a thrilling Rose Bowl victory against Penn State, solidifying his status as a top quarterback prospect.
  • Continued Success (2017): Despite facing increased pressure and expectations, Darnold continued to lead USC, showcasing his arm talent and playmaking ability.

Key Stats and Achievements

During his time at USC, Sam Darnold racked up impressive statistics:

  • Passing Yards: Over 7,200 yards
  • Touchdown Passes: Over 50
  • Pac-12 Honors: Multiple accolades, including Offensive Player of the Year
  • Rose Bowl Champion: Led USC to a Rose Bowl victory

From College to the NFL

Sam Darnold's stellar college career at USC paved the way for him to become a high NFL Draft pick. His time with the Trojans not only showcased his physical abilities but also prepared him for the mental and strategic demands of professional football.

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