The 2026 USC football season is fast approaching, with exactly 97 days left on the calendar. Fans and analysts alike are marking the days as the Trojans prepare to open a new chapter under the familiar roar of the Coliseum.
Among the names that still echo through the program’s history is Alex Morrow, who wore the number 97 during his time at USC from 2004 to 2007. Though he never earned a starting spot, Morrow contributed 14 tackles and three sacks as a backup defensive lineman, a role he embraced despite a deep roster.
A number that still resonates
Morrow’s brief but impactful stint included a tryout with the New York Giants in 2008, though he ultimately fell short of making the final roster. The episode added another layer to the narrative of a player who made the most of limited opportunities.
His career coincided with a period when the Trojans’ defensive line was stacked with talent. Names such as Shaun Cody, Sedrick Ellis, and Lawrence Jackson helped shape a unit that was both formidable and deep, a context that limited Morrow’s chances to start.
Looking ahead
As the countdown continues, the story of Alex Morrow serves as a reminder that every jersey carries a legacy, even when the player’s time on the field is brief. The upcoming season offers a fresh chance for new heroes to emerge, but the imprint of those who wore the numbers before them remains part of USC’s rich tapestry.