3 NCAA programs that have helped the Vikings the most
By Luke Parrish
USC
The Vikings have found a ton of talent out of one of the nation’s biggest NCAA football programs. The USC Trojans have always been an NFL stepping stool for top-flight talents.
15 former Trojans have been selected by Minnesota during the NFL Draft, including 2019 fifth-round pick Cameron Smith. Smith was the fourth USC product selected by the Vikings since 2010 and the sixth since 2000.
Most notably to come out of the school and land with Minnesota, perhaps, is Everson Griffen. Griffen was selected back in 2010 and he has been a stud ever since. He has been the vocal leader of the Vikings’ defense for years. USC is a hotbed of NFL talent just waiting to hit the scene.
The 2019 Trojans have enough talent for the draft once again. Their wide receivers can make quite the statement this season.
Michael Pittman Jr., son of former NFL running back Michael Pittman, is a large target outside. Measuring in at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Pittman Jr. presents a huge threat on the perimeter. His counterpart, Tyler Vaughns, is also a worthy candidate for the NFL.
The two combined for 1,432 yards and 12 touchdowns last season at USC. Both are eligible for the 2020 NFL Draft if they wish to pursue a professional career.
Trojans running back Stephen Carr is another offensive weapon with a chance to succeed at the next level. He has shown brilliant flashes in his young career, but he hasn’t quite put it all together yet.
USC defensive end Christian Rector has 12 career sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss. He is a powerful end with the size to be a bookend.
John Houston Jr. could be the next big USC linebacker in the NFL. He projects to be the leading tackler in 2019 with Cameron Smith now gone. USC may not have the premier talent of years past, but the school still has some capable prospects on their roster.