Greatest USC Football Players of All Time

These USC football players went above and beyond in their storied careers.

It’s not easy to pick the greatest players in USC history. No college has produced more NFL players in the last 50 years, more than 400 at last count. And none claims more Heisman Trophy-winners (seven) in that span, either.

Wouldn’t it be nice if somebody sorted them out? Well, don’t worry. We got you covered.

First, a few ground rules. Only the true greats excelled at the college and pro levels, so these rankings reflect a combination of both. Members of the College and/or Pro Football Hall of Fames have been moved to the head of the class.

Other criteria include individual statistics and major awards as well as historical significance, not necessarily in that order.

Lame-brained feedback is encouraged, but profanity is strictly prohibited.

30. Mark Carrier, Safety

Mark Carrier played 36 games at USC. Star Pics / Amazon

NCAA career: 1987-89

NCAA stats: 36 G, 13 INT, FR N/A, 0 TD

All-American selections: 1989

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: None

NFL career: 1990-2000

NFL teams: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins

NFL stats: 168 G, 32 INT, 8 FR, 1 TD

Pro Bowls: 1990-91, 1993

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: The ball hawk replaced All-America Tim McDonald and didn’t miss a beat.

In 1989, Mark Carrier, as a senior, picked off seven passes and became the first Jim Thorpe Award-winner in USC history. Only five Trojans had more interceptions (13) in their careers.

In the pros, the three-time Pro Bowler turned in one of the best rookie performances ever with a league-high 10 interceptions and two fumble recoveries with the Bears.

29. Sam Cunningham, Fullback

Fullback Sam Cunningham, left, and running back Anthony Davis after beating Ohio State in the 1973 Rose Bowl. AP Photo

NCAA career: 1970-72

NCAA stats: 34 G, 10.9 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 5.0 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 0.7 TD/G

All-American selections: None

NCAA championships: 1972

College Football Hall of Fame: 2010

NFL career: 1973-82

NFL teams: New England Patriots

NFL stats: 107G, 14.9 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 4.6 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 0.5 TD/G

Pro Bowls: None

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: On third-and-short, gimme some “Sam Bam,” the 226-pound bruiser whose trademark over-the-top move was the scourge of defenses everywhere.

He was part of the all-black backfield that thrashed Alabama 42-21 down South early in the 1970 season. As Crimson Tide assistant Jerry Claiborne famously said, “Sam Cunningham did more to integrate Alabama in 60 minutes that night than Martin Luther King had accomplished in 20 years.”

Two years later, he was the Rose Bowl MVP with the best team in the land.

28. Joey Browner, Safety-Kick Returner

Joey Browner had nine interceptions in his USC career. insideusc / Twitter

NCAA career: 1979-82

NCAA stats: 46 G, 9 INT, FR N/A, 3 TD

All-American selections: None

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: None

NFL career: 1983-92

NFL teams: Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFL stats: 145G, 37 INT, 17 FR, 4 TD

Pro Bowls: 1985-90

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: Along with Jeff Fisher, Dennis Smith and Ronnie Lott, this Browner brother was part of the most talented secondary in USC history.

That partly explains why he’s also among the best Trojans players never to be a consensus All-American pick.

In his final season, the team MVP picked off a half-dozen passes and scored three touchdowns.

The first-rounder went onto a stellar NFL career, which included three All-Pro selections.

27. Brad Budde, Offensive Guard

Brad Budde was an All-American in 1979. Seancrowley83 / Wikimedia Commons

NCAA career: 1976-79

NCAA stats: 49G

All-American selections: 1979

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: 1998

NFL career: 1980-86

NFL teams: Kansas City Chiefs

NFL stats: 92G, 0 FR

Pro Bowls: None

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: The son of a one-time AFL great paved the way for Charles White in his momentous 1979 season.

That year, Brad Budde, a four-time bowl winner, became the first and only Trojan to win the Lombardi Award, given to the best lineman or linebacker in the country (starting in 2017, the award now is given to the best player at any position).

He was a four-year starter in college and for a half-dozen more in the pros.

26. Morris ‘Red’ Badgro, Offensive-Defensive End

Red Badgro played pro football and baseball. NTV NEWS / YouTube

NCAA career: 1923-26

NCAA stats: N/A

All-American selections: None

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: None

NFL career: 1927-36

NFL teams: New York Yankees, New York Giants, Brooklyn Dodgers

NFL stats: 94G, 0.4 PASS REC/G, 6.0 PASS REC YARDS/G, 0.1 TD/G

Pro Bowls: None

NFL championships: 1934

Pro Football Hall of Fame: 1981

Bottom line: Southern Cal football wasn’t born yesterday, you know. Here’s the best all-around athlete that you probably never heard of, the only one to play in the NFL and major leagues in his career.

After his college career, he spent two seasons with baseball’s St. Louis Browns before he starred with perennial Giants contenders in pro football.

In 1933, he scored the first touchdown in NFL championship game history and led the league in pass receptions three years later.

25. Richard Wood, Linebacker

Richard Wood in 1972. AP Photo

NCAA career: 1972-74

NCAA stats: 36 G, INT N/A, FR N/A, 0 TD

All-American selections: 1973, 1974

NCAA championships: 1972

College Football Hall of Fame: 2007

NFL career: 1975-84

NFL teams: New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFL stats: 146G, 9 INT, 6 FR, 0 TD

Pro Bowls: None

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: What this defensive mainstay lacked in size (6-foot-2, 224 pounds), he more than made up for in quickness and instincts, especially in pass coverage.

Remember the Batman face paint that unnerved opponents? That was worn by Richard Wood.

He went on to a productive NFL career, much of it with his former USC coach John McKay and the Buccaneers.

24. Tony Boselli, Offensive Tackle

Tony Boselli was inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014. USC Trojans

NCAA career: 1991-94

NCAA stats: 48 G

All-American selections: 1994

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: 2014

NFL career: 1995-2001

NFL teams: Jacksonville Jaguars

NFL stats: 91 G, 5 FR

Pro Bowls: 1996-2000

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: Too bad Tony Boselli played in the Larry Smith-John Robinson 2.0 era, which had ordinary backs by USC standards.

Boselli was the rare 300-plus-pounder who could move and think on his feet. As if that wasn’t enough, he was a stickler for details and took film study to another level.

Turned out his only weakness was a bum left shoulder that forced him to retire in his prime.

As soon as the Pro Football Hall of Fame comes a-calling, he’ll move up the list further.

23. Charles ‘Charle’ Young, Tight End

Charle Young helped USC win the national championship in 1972. USC Trojans

NCAA career: 1971-73

NCAA stats: 34 G, 2.0 PASS REC/G, 16.0 YDS/REC, 0.3 TD/G

All-American selections: 1972

NCAA championships: 1972

College Football Hall of Fame: 2004

NFL career: 1973-85

NFL teams: Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks

NFL stats: 187 G, 2.2 PASS REC/G, 12.2 YDS/REC, 0.1 TD/G

Pro Bowls: 1973-75

Super Bowl championships: 1980

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: Tight ends were blockers first and second in the John McKay days. Not “The Tree,” though.

How good was Charle Young’s all-around game? Good enough to lead the 1972 national champions in receptions. That’s right — ahead of Lynn Swann and J.K. McKay.

Young is among the rare athletes to be selected All-American and All-Pro plus start with championship teams at both levels.

22. Anthony Davis, Tailback-Halfback-Kickoff Returner

Anthony Davis scores against Oregon State in 1974. George Brich / AP Photo

NCAA career: 1972-74

NCAA stats: 35 G, 23.7 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 4.8 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 1.5 TD/G

All-American selections: 1974

NCAA championships: 1972

College Football Hall of Fame: 2005

NFL career: 1977-78

NFL teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Oilers, Los Angeles Rams

NFL stats: 15 G, 7.1 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 3.7 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 0.1 TD/G

Pro Bowls: None

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: For 60 minutes of sheer electricity, we’ll take A.D. against rival Notre Dame in the 1974 season. Four touchdowns and 26 points scored in a come-from-behind 55-24 victory? Talk about good vibrations.

If the Heisman Trophy vote hadn’t been taken already, he would have been the rightful winner instead of Archie Griffin.

Davis was one of the all-time touchdown-makers (52) and Irish killers (11 TDs in three games) in Southern Cal history.

Then, the Buccaneers got hold of him.

21. Keyshawn Johnson, Wide Receiver

Keyshawn Johnson holds the Rose Bowl trophy after USC beat Northwestern in 1996. Reed Saxon / AP Photo

NCAA career: 1994-95

NCAA stats: 23 G, 7.3 PASS REC/G, 16.6 YDS/REC, 0.7 TD/G

All-American selections: 1995

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: None

NFL career: 1996-2006

NFL teams: New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers

NFL stats: 167 G, 4.9 PASS REC/G, 13.0 YDS/REC, 0.4 TD/G

Pro Bowls: 1998-99, 2001

Super Bowl championships: 2002

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: This diva was the most dominant player at his position in team history. Go ahead, just ask him.

Despite playing with three different quarterbacks, the juco transfer with freakish size (6-foot-4, 212 pounds) put up monstrous numbers in two college seasons.

The first pick of the 1996 NFL draft had 70 or more pass receptions in nine pro seasons, six of them in succession. He was the No. 1 Bucs’ receiver in their Super Bowl XXXVII season.

He also feuded often with coach Jon Gruden, who obviously didn’t read his autobiography “Just Give Me The Damn Ball!”

20. Jon Arnett, Halfback-Kick Returner

Jon Arnett in 1956. AP Photo

NCAA career: 1954-56

NCAA stats: 32 G, 10.8 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 6.3 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 1.0 TD/G

All-American selections: None

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: 2001

NFL career: 1957-65

NFL teams: Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Bears

NFL statistics/game: 123 G, 9.6 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 5.2 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH/0.3 TD/G

Pro Bowls: 1957-61

NFL championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: What if “Jaguar Jon” hadn’t sat out the second half of his senior season because of a ticky-tack conference rule infraction? Would he have been the first Heisman Trophy winner in USC history?

He played in only five games and still finished 10th overall.

The five-time Pro Bowler was every bit the game-breaker with the Rams at the next level.

Know this much: Few Trojans were more fun to watch.

19. Marvin Powell, Offensive Tackle

Marvin Powell played 36 games at USC. McDonald’s USC Trojans Discs / Amazon

NCAA career: 1974-76

NCAA stats: 36 G

All-American selections: 1975-76

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: 1994

NFL career: 1977-87

NFL teams: New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFL stats: 133 G, 2 FR

Pro Bowls: 1979-83

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: Few Trojans accomplished as much as this one at both levels. Talent-wise, coach John McKay considered Marvin Powell to be equal of Ron Yary, the 1967 Outland Trophy winner.

The son of a military man, Powell was a rare blend of smarts, strength, mobility and leadership ability who went on to become NFLPA president.

Now riddle me this: Why is the two-time All-American not in the USC Athletics Hall of Fame? Please discuss.

18. Ron Mix, Offensive-Defensive End, Offensive Tackle, Guard

Ron Mix could bench-press 425 pounds. Golden Tulip / Wikimedia Commons

NCAA career: 1957-59

NCAA stats: N/A

All-American selections: None

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: None

AFL-NFL career: 1960-69, 1971

AFL-NFL teams: Los Angeles-San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders

AFL-NFL stats: 142 G, FR N/A

All-Star Games-Pro Bowls: 1960-68

AFL-NFL-Super Bowl championships: 1963

Pro Football Hall of Fame: 1979

Bottom line: His career began as an undersized two-way end and finished as an all-time offensive lineman.

In between, the Los Angeles native was among the first pro athletes to spend serious time in the weight room — he bench-pressed as much as 425 pounds — which allowed him to play bigger than his listed 6-foot-5, 250-pound size.

Opponents couldn’t out-quick, outrun or outsmart him, either. Heck, the guy was flagged for a penalty about as often as Judge Scary Mary is for speeding.

17. Willie Wood, Quarterback-Safety-Punt Returner

Willie Wood is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Visionary Media Productions / YouTube

NCAA career: 1957-59

NCAA stats: 30 G, .374 PASS COMP PCT, 36.7 PASS YDS/G, 0.3 PASS TD/G

All-American selections: None

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: None

NFL career: 1960-71

NFL teams: Green Bay Packers

NFL stats: 166 G, 48 INT, 16 RR, 4 TD

Pro Bowls: 1962, 1964-70

Super Bowl championships: 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967

Pro Football Hall of Fame: 1989

Bottom line: “Wee Willie” is one of the great underdog stories in USC history.

He went undrafted before coach Vince Lombardi and the Packers offered a tryout in response to his letter. He was moved to safety and soon became a perennial All-Pro with one of the greatest sports dynasties ever.

Longtime Trojans faithful remember him as the first black Pac-10 quarterback who also played defense for the upstart 1959 team that won a share of the conference title.

16. Ricky Bell, Tailback, Halfback

USC’s Ricky Bell against Texas A&M during the 1975 Liberty Bowl. AP Photo

NCAA career: 1974-76

NCAA stats: 35 G, 20.8 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 5.3 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 0.8 TD/G

All-American selections: 1975-76

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: 2003

NFL career: 1977-82

NFL teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Diego Chargers

NFL stats: 64G, 14.4 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 4.2 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 0.3 TD/G

Pro Bowls: None

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: A bounce here and vote there and the two-time All-American is a top 10 pick.

Ricky Bell played for two teams (1974, 1976) that ranked second in the country. He also had a couple of near-misses in the Heisman Trophy vote — third as a junior, second as a senior.

His career wasn’t without some significant firsts, though.

In 1976, he ran over Washington State for 347 total yards, a record that stands today.

One year later, he was the No. 1 pick of the NFL draft.

And he carried a rather ordinary Buccaneers team to the first postseason berth in franchise history.

15. Matt Leinart, Quarterback

USC quarterback Matt Leinart gets set to throw a pass against Stanford in 2005. Matt Sayles / AP Photo

NCAA career: 2003-05

NCAA stats: 39 G, .648 PASS COM PCT, 274.2 PASS YDS/G, 2.5 PASS TD/G

All-American selections: 2004

NCAA championships: 2003, 2004

College Football Hall of Fame: 2017

NFL career: 2006-09, 2011-12

NFL teams: Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, Oakland Raiders

NFL stats: 33 G, .571 PASS COM PCT, 123.2 PASS YDS/G, 0.5 PASS TD/G

Pro Bowls: None

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: A brilliant college career overshadowed the disappointment that he would become in the pros.

His 2004 season stands as the gold standard at the position — the Heisman Trophy winner won four other major awards and became the third quarterback to lead his team to consecutive national titles in the two-platoon era.

He finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy race in 2003 and third to teammate Reggie Bush two years later.

14. Bruce Matthews, Guard-Tackle-Center

Bruce Matthews was an All-American at USC in 1982. 10secondstolove / ebay

NCAA career: 1980-82

NCAA stats: 34 G

All-American selections: 1982

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: None

NFL career: 1983-2001

NFL teams: Houston/Tennessee Oilers-Titans

NFL stats: 296 G, 10 FR

Pro Bowls: 1988-90, 1992, 1998-2000

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: 2007

Bottom lineman: Here’s the savviest, most versatile, most durable USC lineman of them all.

No Trojans player at any position was an NFL starter for more seasons (19) and none made more Pro Bowl appearances (13) than Bruce Matthews.

He took part in 330 of a possible 338 games, at every line position, at one time or another, long snapper included.

13. Junior Seau, Linebacker

USC’s Junior Seau was the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 1989. Rob Kozloff / AP Photo

NCAA career: 1988-89

NCAA stats: 24 G, 1 INT, FR N/A, SACKS N/A, 0 TD

All-American selections: None

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: None

NFL career: 1990-2009

NFL teams: San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots

NFL stats: 268 G, 18 FR, 18 INT, 18 FR, 56.5 SACKS, 1 TD

Pro Bowls: 1991-2002

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: 2015

Bottom line: Has any Trojans defender wreaked more havoc with such maniacal ferocity than “SayOw” did in the 1989 season? Nope.

The Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year was responsible for 46 plays behind the line of scrimmage alone — 19 sacks and 27 tackles for losses.

Yet if his college career began too late, then his NFL days lasted too long. The perennial All-Pro was the heart and soul of the Chargers for the better part of 13 seasons, but Junior Seau didn’t call it quits until seven years later.

The many hits had a cumulative effect that contributed to his premature passing.

12. Carson Palmer, Quarterback

USC’s Carson Palmer passes against Oregon State in 2002. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

NCAA career: 1998-2002

NCAA stats: 53 G, .591 PASS COMP PCT, 223.0 PASS YDS/G, 1.4 PASS TD/G

All-American selections: 2002

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: None

NFL career: 2004-17

NFL teams: Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals

NFL stats: 182 G, .625 PASS COMP PCT, 254.1 PASS YDS/G, 1.6 PASS TD/G

Pro Bowls: 2005-06, 2015

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: The star-crossed quarterback had it all except good health, so, yeah, No. 13 is the right place for him.

The 2002 Heisman Trophy recipient didn’t win big until his final season, which marked the first contender of the Pete Carroll era.

Carson Palmer ranks second in pass yards (11,818) and fourth in touchdowns (72) in USC history.

Will the College Football Hall of Fame come calling soon? Make it so, Jean-Luc.

11. Troy Polamalu, Safety

Troy Polamalu had six interceptions and three touchdowns in 36 games at USC. Daniel Hulshizer / AP Photo

NCAA career: 1999-2002

NCAA stats: 36 G, 6 INT, 3 TD

All-American selections: 2002

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: 2019

NFL career: 2003-14

NFL teams: Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL stats: 158 G, 32 INT, 7 FR, 5 TD

Pro Bowls: 2004-08, 2010-11, 2013

Super Bowl championships: 2005, 2008

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: He owns the team record for biggest hair in a season and career. His versatility stood out even more.

The three-year starter had such range, instincts and desire for contact, defensive coordinator Bill Young created a hybrid linebacker-safety position to enhance his value.

Troy Polamalu’s impact was felt just as much in the pros, where he was a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion.

Oh, and those Head & Shoulders commercials weren’t bad, either.

Next stop: Canton, Ohio.

10. Charles White, Tailback-Kickoff Returner

Charles White sweeps around end for a short gain against Stanford in 1976. AP Photo

NCAA career: 1976-79

NCAA stats: 49 G, 24.6 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 5.6 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 1.1 TD/G

All-American selections: 1978, 1979

NCAA championships: 1978

College Football Hall of Fame: 1996

NFL career: 1980-88

NFL teams: Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams

NFL stats: 108 G, 8.3 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 4.4 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 0.2 TD/G

Pro Bowls: 1987

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: “The toughest man I ever knew,” coach John Robinson said of the top ground-gainer in team history. Charles White’s final two college seasons were off the charts — 2,195 yards from scrimmage, 19 touchdowns, one Heisman Trophy award.

The first-rounder admittedly was a bust in the pros, where drug problems and the Browns’ offensive scheme got the best of him.

Yet the Los Angeles native went out in a blaze of glory with the hometown Rams in the 1987 season, when he cast aside his demons long enough to lead the NFL in rushing.

Yeah, that’s tough.

9. Lynn Swann, Flanker-Punt Returner

Lynn Swan, right, makes a play against Alabama in 1971. George Brich / AP Photo

NCAA career: 1971-73

NCAA stats: 35 G, 2.7 PASS REC/G, 16.3 YDS/REC, 0.3 TD/G

All-American selections: 1973

NCAA championships: 1972

College Football Hall of Fame: 1993

NFL career: 1974-82

NFL teams: Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL stats: 116 G, 2.9 PASS REC/G, 16.3 YDS/REC, 0.4 TD/G

Pro Bowls: 1975, 1977-78

Super Bowl championships: 1974-75, 1978-79

Pro Football Hall of Fame: 2001

Bottom line: Where do you put a guy whose numbers aren’t spectacular because he played in so many run-first offenses but is one of only two Trojans (Marcus Allen is the other) to pull off this rare trifecta: All-American and All-Pro, NCAA and NFL champion, College Football and Pro Football Hall of Famer?

You want clutch? I still can’t get over the miracle that the Super Bowl X MVP performed that game. Not the bomb on which he outjumped the defender, then caught while on his backside, but the one down the right sideline, where he contorted his body in mid-air while out of bounds, speared the ball with laser focus, then somehow landed with both feet inbounds.

Darnedest catch I ever saw on a football field, let alone in a championship game.

8. Mike Garrett, Tailback-Halfback-Kick Returner

Mike Garrett in 1965. Robert H. Houston / AP Photo

NCAA career: 1963-65

NCAA stats: 104 G, 21.6 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 5.6 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 1.0 TD/G

All-American selections: 1965

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: 1985

AFL-NFL career: 1966-73

AFL-NFL teams: Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers

NFL stats: 104 G, 14.9 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 4.8 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 0.5 TD/G

All-Star Games-Pro Bowls: 1966, 1967

AFL-Super Bowl championships: 1969

Pro Football Hall of Fame: none

Bottom line: Here’s the guy who put Southern Cal tailbacks on the map, the first in its long line of Heisman Trophy winners at the position.

That came in his senior season, when the 5-foot-9 jitterbug of a back became the top ground-gainer in team history.

In the pros, he played in the first Super Bowl as a rookie and surpassed the 1,000-yard mark on two occasions with different teams.

Would his career have turned out much differently had he signed with the hometown Rams instead of the Chiefs in the other league?

You never know.

7. Reggie Bush, Tailback-Running Back

Reggie Bush makes a cut against UCLA in 2004. Kevork Djansezian / AP Photo

NCAA career: 2003-05

NCAA stats: 39 G, 13.5 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 8.5 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 1.1 TD/G

All-American selections: 2004, 2005

NCAA championships: 2003, 2004

College Football Hall of Fame: None

NFL career: 2006-16

NFL teams: New Orleans Saints/Detroit Lions/San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills

NFL stats: 134 G, 13.2 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 5.2 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 0.4 TD/G

Pro Bowls: None

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: None

Bottom line: The NCAA took away his 2005 Heisman Trophy as a result of illegal gifts, but it can’t erase his legacy as the most versatile game-breaker in school history.

Reggie Bush was the most valuable piece on the chessboard, a guy who could take it to the house as a runner, pass receiver or kick returner.

The two-time national champion, All-American and Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year went on to a solid if not dominant pro career.

The NCAA can keep his Heisman Trophy if that makes it feel better.

But, hell, if O.J. Simpson has a place in the College Football Hall of Fame, then this guy should, too.

6. Anthony Munoz, Offensive Tackle

Anthony Munoz in 1980. AP Photo

NCAA career: 1977-79

NCAA stats: 16 G, FR N/A

All-American selections: 1979

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: None

NFL career: 1980-92

NFL teams: Cincinnati Bengals

NFL stats: 185 G, 6 FR, 7 PASS REC, 2.6 YDS/REC, 4 TD

Pro Bowls: 1981-91

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: 1998

Bottom line: Even though a chronic knee problem limited Anthony Munoz’s college career, some will tell you this 6-foot-5, 278-pound package of strength and mobility is the greatest USC lineman ever.

On balance, we won’t go that far, but let’s not forget that his unlikely return from ligament surgery served as no small inspiration in its 1980 Rose Bowl victory.

There can be no argument that the nine-time All-Pro belongs in the conversation of best linemen in NFL history. Period.

5. Ron Yary, Offensive-Defensive Tackle

Ron Yary, left, talks with USC head coach John McKay in 1966. George Brich / AP Photo

NCAA career: 1965-67

NCAA stats: 32 G, FR N/A

All-American selections: 1966-67

NCAA championships: 1967

College Football Hall of Fame: 1987

NFL career: 1968-82

NFL teams: Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams

NFL stats: 207 G, 2 FR

Pro Bowls: 1971-77

Super Bowl championships: None

Pro Football Hall of Fame: 2001

Bottom line: Ron Yary the student was a business major who almost never skipped a class, and what was Yary the Outland Trophy-Rockne Award-winner if not all business, too?

As the prototype of the modern strong-side tackle, he was the one-man version of Student Body Right.

The first pick of the 1968 NFL draft mauled opponents on straight-ahead plays, and he was savvy and mobile enough beat them to the outside.

Dominant? In a span of 11 seasons, he played in four Super Bowls and was either an All-American or All-Pro in eight of them.

Do Mike Garrett, O.J. Simpson and Chuck Foreman owe this guy or what?

4. Frank Gifford, Offensive-Defensive Halfback-Quarterback-Flanker

Frank Gifford runs against California in 1951. Clarence Hamm / AP Photo

NCAA career: 1950-51

NCAA stats: 19 G, 12.3 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 4.7 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 0.5 TD/G

All-American selections: 1951

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: 1975

NFL career: 1952-1960, 1962-64

NFL teams: New York Giants

NFL stats: 136 G, 8.9 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 7.5 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 0.6 TD/G

Pro Bowls: 1953-59, 1963

NFL championships: 1956

Pro Football Hall of Fame: 1977

Bottom line: You’ve heard of a triple threat, right? Well, this handsome face was the rare quadruple threat — he ran, passed, kicked and broke hearts, not necessarily in that order.

After a brilliant senior season that somehow didn’t merit one stinking Heisman Trophy vote, “Giffer” went on to become an NFL Most Valuable Player and four-time All-Pro selection.

Then, there was the greatest achievement of all — he somehow survived 13 years with Howard Cosell in the “Monday Night Football” booth.

3. Marcus Allen, Tailback-Running Back

Marcus Allen heads for a first down against Oregon in 1980. AP Photo

NCAA career: 1978-81

NCAA stats: 48 G, 21.2 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 5.5 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 1.0 TD/G

All-American selections: 1981

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: 2000

NFL career: 1982-97

NFL teams: Los Angeles Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs

NFL stats: 222 G, 16.3 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 4.9 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 0.7 TD/G

Pro Bowls: 1982, 1984-87, 1993

Super Bowl championships: 1983

Pro Football Hall of Fame: 2003

Bottom line: Some backs were faster. Some were more elusive. But this one-cut, downhill runner ran smarter than most, which explained how he lasted all those years.

The two-time All-Pro smelled the goal line like Jaws did blood. He ranks third in touchdowns in USC history and sixth in NFL history.

There’s also this bit of trivia: He’s the only player to win the Heisman Trophy (1981), NFL Most Valuable Player Award (1985) and Super Bowl MVP Award (1983) in football history.

So if you want to move him up one spot, I’d be willing to play Rock, Paper, Scissors for it.

2. Ronnie Lott, Safety-Cornerback

Ronnie Lott dominated in college and the pros. Pac-12 Networks / YouTube

NCAA career: 1978-80

NCAA stats: 36 G, 14 INT, FR N/A, 2 TD

All-American selections: 1980

NCAA championships: None

College Football Hall of Fame: 2002

NFL career: 1981-91

NFL teams: San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders

NFL stats: 192 G, 63 INT, 17 FR, 5 TD

Pro Bowls: 1981-84, 1986-91

Super Bowl championships: 1981, 1984, 1988, 1989

Pro Football Hall of Fame: 2000

Bottom line: As great an athlete as the dual Hall of Famer was over 14 seasons, Ronnie Lott was every bit the leader.

Dude, how can teammates not be inspired by someone who had a pinky finger partially amputated in order to play as the Niner famously did late in the 1986 season? (Uh, that means chopped off, kids.)

Lott was akin to a middle linebacker in the secondary, a big hitter whose passion and instincts allowed him to make plays all over the field.

Only a select few players dominated an entire decade quite like this one. In the 1980s, Lott was either an All-American or All-Pro seven times, and his team won everything four times.

1. O.J. Simpson, Tailback-Halfback-Kickoff Returner

O.J. Simpson charges through a hole against Notre Dame in 1967. Charles Knoblock / AP Photo

NCAA career: 1967-68

NCAA stats: 22 G, 32.3 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 5.3 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 1.6 TD/G

All-American selections: 1967-68

NCAA championships: 1967

College Football Hall of Fame: 1983

NFL career: 1969-1979

NFL teams: Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers

NFL stats: 135 G, 19.3 RUN-PASS TOUCHES/G, 5.1 RUN-PASS YDS/TOUCH, 0.6 TD/G

Pro Bowls: 1969, 1972-76

Super Bowl championships: none

Pro Football Hall of Fame: 1985

Bottom line: There are heroes and villains. Then there’s O.J., who’s a whole lot of both.

As much as I despise the pathetic human, I admire the world-class athlete. The absurd vision. The instinctive cuts. The insane burst speed. Whooooosh! Thirty-two-plus touches per game in college? Yowza.

His 64-yard jaunt in the 1967 showdown against rival UCLA remains the single greatest play in USC history. (It was a joke that he finished a close second to Bruins quarterback Gary Beban in the Heisman Trophy race that year, or else he would have been the first back-to-back winner.)

Then O.J. became the first NFL player to rush for 2,000-plus yards in one season. In 14 games, no less.

Of all the great USC backs, only this one was historically great at both levels.

Yep, Lucifer is gonna have a hell of a tailback down there, all right.