Tailback who?

ALLEN BRADFORD

5 feet 11, 225 pounds

Junior

San Bernardino

On the chart: Fits the mold of the power back but has the speed to break away, as he demonstrated almost daily during spring practice. Might be tough for him to crack the starting lineup, but he is forcing coaches' hand to play more.

Last year: An outstanding special teams player, he got only 15 carries but turned two of his three pass receptions into touchdowns.

Highlight reel: Caught touchdown passes against Washington State and Notre Dame, but his greatest contribution has been his inspired play on special teams.

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C.J. GABLE

6 feet, 200 pounds

Redshirt sophomore

Sylmar

On the chart: Started five games as a freshman, including the 2006 opener, and the first two games last season before a lingering abdominal injury slowed him and ultimately required surgery. Does everything well, including pass block.

Last year: Rushed for a team-high 68 yards against Idaho and had a 40-yard run against Nebraska, but his physical condition worsened against Washington State and he opted to redshirt.

Highlight reel: Former Sylmar High star became USC's first true freshman tailback to start an opener two years ago against Arkansas, a testament to the consistency and work ethic he has exhibited from day one.

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BRODERICK GREEN

6 feet 2, 235 pounds

Redshirt freshman

Little Rock, Ark.

On the chart: Will have a hard time moving past the more experienced quartet of Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson, Allen Bradford and C.J. Gable, but his powerful style could give the Trojans a dynamic short-yardage threat and possibly more.

Last year: Was impressive during training camp scrimmages but a foot injury suffered during one of them ultimately required surgery and forced him to redshirt.

Highlight reel: "He's a horse, dude. That guy trucks," former quarterback John David Booty said after Green averaged nearly eight yards a carry in a scrimmage last year. "You think he's going to be down and he just keeps going and going."

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STAFON JOHNSON

5 feet 11, 215 pounds

Junior

Bellflower

On the chart: The former Dorsey High star, perhaps the Trojans' most instinctive runner, could assume a starting role now that the foot injury that slowed him last year is healed.