Quarterback Cody Kessler is recruiting USC teammates

USC will have several draft-eligible juniors and third-year sophomores after the season.

Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler -- a junior -- is determined to recruit teammates to stay at USC.

“It’s my goal to make sure everyone comes back,” Kessler said during a radio interview on KFBW-AM “The Beast.”

Williams is projected as a possible top-five pick in multiple mock drafts.

Kessler said he would respect teammates regardless of their decisions, but added that it is difficult to not think about the team’s potential if they return.

“We have a really good opportunity, if all these guys come back, to be good next year,” Kessler said.

Five USC players with eligibility remaining – receiver Marqise Lee, center Marcus Martin, defensive lineman George Uko, safety Dion Bailey and tight end Xavier Grimble -- declared for the draft after last season.

Lee and Martin were selected in the second and third rounds, respectively.

Uko, Bailey and Grimble were not drafted.

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