USC Morning Buzz: The Perils Of Awarding No. 55

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SEAUHow odd does it look for USC to award No. 55 and then retract it from linebacker Cameron Smith? That hasn’t happened since, oh, 2014. Remember when Steve Sarkisian controversially let center Toa Lobendahn wear No. 55 only to change his mind at the end of spring practice?

Again in 2014, the catalysts were former No. 55’s like Willie McGinest (below) and Chris Claiborne, along with yours truly, who wrote about it enough to draw McGinest’s attention. I never liked the idea of Smith wearing No. 55. He wore No. 35 well last season and made it relevant again. Sometimes, though, USC rushes to make catchy decisions and this led to a rush to give Smith the number.

Remember, Daelin Hayes was going to wear No. 55 until he switched his commitment to Notre Dame. The number is supposed to go to someone with a lot of hype/promise. McGinest was frustrated USC let Lamar Dawson wear it through last season. That is why it must be awarded carefully. It matters to great ex-players. It’s about tradition. And sometimes USC falters in this area for a quick fix.

MCGINEST.USC

17 thoughts on “USC Morning Buzz: The Perils Of Awarding No. 55”

  1. We should have discussed this two weeks ago… Like everyone else. Keep up with your Scout membership Wolf and you’ll stay “InsideUSC”

  2. These perils are for small time sports writers and delusional fans. Average fan does not give a rip about what number a player wears.
    #mountainmeetmolehill

  3. Too many fingers in the pie here. To expect every single person who wears 55 to turn into a superstar is bizarre and childish.

    Let the HC assign it to whom he deems worthy (he should know!) and its the responsibility of the wearer to live up to expectations.

    It’s absolutely none of SW’s business who wears 55. He’s the last person whose comments matter here.

  4. Do you mean quick fix as in hiring a head coach with known substance issues?

  6. Hey wolfman, why do these busy bodies have so much influence?? If McGinnis or whoever was so great, then retire his number, if not he should just shut up. Only two people should be involved in this: Hell-ton and wolfman.

    #Who’sMcginnis?

  7. “Get Isreal Ifeani on the phone. I need to know what he thinks about this #55 situation.”

    – Claytus B. Helton III

    • That’s amazing recall of Trojan trivia. You trolls pay a lot of attention. Even I had almost forgotten about ole Izzy.

    • redirected to the holding tank until we make port and locate the pump out station.

  8. Again, what a dumb argument !

    Cameron Smith in only 10 games last year had one of the “Best” freshman seasons in Trojan lore !

    “Cameron Smith” was on pace to be the first true freshman to top the USC Trojans in tackles in a season since records were first kept in 1954 !!

    If so ???

    [So far] Cam Smith is the “Best” USC Trojan linebacker in “62” years !!!

    [So Part ll], Willie McGinest and Chris Claiborne at best are #2 and #3, so You “pick” which one is number 2, or number 3 ???

    Cameron Smith “is” Number #55 !

    And Cameron Smith has already “earned” (Deserves) Number #55 !!!!! (Or call it ***** × Stars)

    PickOn

    • You are right on. No question Smith earned it and Helton saw that correctly. Who knows how Smith’s career will proceed, but he would have been a great example of the type of USC LB who personifies the Trojan spirit and excellence on the field.

      I’m fine with him as #35 too – a great USC number. I just hate to see Helton have to kowtow to those who should just be happy they are part of a great tradition as opposed to causing unnecessary and worthless drama.

    • This analysis just made me more upset about this 55 c r a p – give Cam what HE wants, and tell big Willy to get back on the golf course or whatever he does

  9. If you are not the baddest mf coming in, then no #55. But it is also about respecting #35, which is as big anything. Not everything is about money, etc. it is also about respect and tradition especially in college football. Giving these numbers is like pulling them out of retirement, and really, they would be if it wasn’t about keeping up the tradition when someone really, really special comes along. Usually schools with tradition consult with the former players before pulling a number out of retirement and awarding the number. I think that Cameron Smith has a chance to make #35> or = #55.

  10. Really? Willie McGinest reads this blog and the DN and listens to the Blogger’s whining about who wears #55? Really?

  11. I totally forgot Steve “The Drunk” Sarkisian did that , but he gets a pass because he was a Drunk, and Drunks make poor decisions.

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