Adam Grosbard (OC Register)  —  LOS ANGELES — It’s been a recurring talking point prior to recent seasons. The desire for USC football to have a more balanced offense, not just relying on the air attack to move the ball down the field and wear out opposing defenses.

The run game has not met its side of the bargain the past couple of years. But after a makeover of the running back room and revamp of the offensive line, head coach Clay Helton feels like USC can be a threat on the ground again, without deviating from the Air Raid philosophy of taking what defenses present.

“You play us in Cover 1, you’re probably going to get a lot of throws, and if you play a lot of Drop 8, you’re probably going to get a lot of runs,” Helton said Tuesday, “and I think we’re better equipped in that running game now because of those two rooms with the offensive line and running backs.”

For the running backs, it was about a change in personnel. Stephen Carr and Markese Stepp both transferred out of the program, leaving room for a wave of transfers in. Former Texas back Keaontay Ingram joined USC, as did TCU transfer Darwin Barlow along with freshman Brandon Campbell.

He looks poised to share most of the snaps with returning starter and captain Vavae Malepeai, who says he feels the healthiest he ever has entering a season.

“We’ve got guys in that room that need touches and try to get them in space with the football and just let them go be them,” offensive coordinator Graham Harrell said.

As for the offensive line, USC brought in a new position coach, Clay McGuire, who has a history in the Air Raid and can help the players understand the intricacies of their duties. And two redshirt freshmen, Jonah Monheim and Courtland Ford, have taken over the starting tackle jobs to provide a fresh look up front.

“The lack of our ability to have balance towards the end of the year cost us the Pac-12 championship,” running backs coach Mike Jinks said. “And that’s something that’s been addressed on all levels. It’s been nice to see it take its life in fall camp.”

Quarterback

Kedon Slovis returns as the starter, feeling like a healthier version of himself after last year struggling through the mental recovery following an elbow injury. He says that after the summer workouts, this is the fall camp where he hasn’t lost strength in his arm.

He’ll have a lot of new faces to throw to this season, and a new backup after Jaxson Dart won the job over fellow true freshman Miller Moss.

Running Back

In addition to Ingram and Malepeai, Kenan Christon has improved as camp has progressed, flashing his trademark speed. But he still has been a liability when it comes to pass blocking in the backfield. Barlow is still dealing with a hamstring injury that’s limited him for most of camp, and Helton said it looks like Barlow will be a game-time decision for the season opener against San Jose State.

Offensive Line

USC returns three starters: center Brett Neilon, right guard Liam Jimmons and left guard Andrew Vorhees. Those spots were set in stone all camp, as a competition ran through August for who would be the two bookends for the offensive line.

As the dust settled, Monheim emerged at right tackle and Ford at left.

“You give those guys a couple more years and those are guys who are going to be really, really good football players,” Harrell said. “They already are and we need them to play at a high level.”

Jalen McKenzie, last year’s starter at right tackle, and Justin Dedich figure to be the first two reserves for USC on the line.

Wide Receiver

Beyond budding superstar Drake London, USC has had a lot of turnover at receiver.

Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tyler Vaughns left to pursue playing in the NFL. Bru McCoy has been temporarily removed from team activities pending a Title IX review of his arrest July 24 on suspicion of felony intimate partner violence with injury. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office has declined to file charges against the redshirt sophomore, citing insufficient evidence.

Kyle Ford and Gary Bryant Jr. are returning guys fighting for snaps, while Memphis transfer Tahj Washington has been impressive in camp. Freshmen Joseph Manjack IV and Michael Jackson III have shined in camp, too.

Tight End

This might be as talented at tight end as USC has been during the Helton era. Starter Erik Krommenhoek returns, as does Jude Wolfe after a foot injury. Texas transfer Malcolm Epps is close to a return after turf toe prematurely ended his camp, and freshman Michael Trigg has been one of the breakout stars of August.

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