The 1956 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California (USC) in the 1956 college football season. In their sixth and final year under head coach Jess Hill, the Trojans compiled an 8–2 record (5–2 against conference opponents), finished in a tie for second place in the Pacific Coast Conference, and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 218 to 126. The team was ranked No. 15 in the final United Press Coaches Poll and No. 18 in the final AP poll. Total attendance for all 10 games was 469,762.1957 "El Rodeo" (USC yearbook), page 252.
Frank Hall led the team in passing with 10 of 23 passes completed for 196 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. C. R. Roberts led the team in rushing with 120 carries for 775 yards and five touchdowns. Tony Ortega was the leading receiver with seven catches for 223 yards and one touchdown. Ernie Zampese rushed for 500 yards and passed for 166 yards.
Two Trojans received first-team honors from the Associated Press or the United Press (UP) on the 1956 All-Pacific Coast Conference football team: backs C. R. Roberts (AP-1; UP-1 [fullback]) and Jon Arnett, USC (UP-1 [halfback]).
Schedule
Game summaries At Texas C.R. Roberts 12 rushes, 251 yards
Personnel Coaching staff Head coach: Jess Hill Assistant coaches: Nick Pappas (back coach), Mel Hein (line coach), George Ceithaml (back coach), Bill Fisk (end coach), Joe Margucci (JV coach), Don Clark (line coach), Bob Titchenal (freshman)1957 "El Rodeo" (USC yearbook), pages 251 and 266. Senior football manager: Mike O'Dell1957 "El Rodeo", page 251.
Roster The following players were members of the 1956 USC football team.1957 "El Rodeo", pages 253-265. Fabian Abram, tackle, 6'3", 215 pounds, Redondo Beach, California Jon Arnett, senior HB (#26) George Belotti, tackle, 6'3", 253 pounds, Oxnard, California Ron Fletcher, tackle, 6'3", 215 pounds, Los Angeles Walt Gurasich, guard, 6'1", 219 pounds, Sherman Oaks, California Frank Hall, quarterback, 6'0", 175 pounds, San Francisco, California Mike Henry, tackle, 6'2", 212 pounds, Los Angeles Don Hickman, halfback, 5'10", 170 pounds, Monterey Park, California Hillard Hill, end, 6'1", 188 pounds, Pasadena, California Ells Kissinger, quarterback, 5'10, 183 pounds, York, Pennsylvania Ben Lardizabal, guard, 5'11", 210 pounds, Los Angeles Chuck Leimbach, end, 6'4", 193 pounds, Los Angeles C. R. Roberts, fullback, 6'1", 206 pounds, Oceanside, California Bob Rosendahl, end, 6'1", 178 pounds, Lynwood, California Karl Rubke, center, 6'4", 225 pounds, Lynwood, California Laird Willott, guard, 6'0", 205 pounds, Glendale, California Ernie Zampese, halfback, 5'9", 166 pounds, Santa Barbara, California
References