USC Football: Former Trojans Star Preparing For Potential Super Bowl Moment

“That’s my job and I’m going to do the best I can.”

As the backup quarterback on any team, there is a one-play away mentality. There's a need to stay warm on the sidelines just in case their number is called.

On consecutive occasions late in the regular season, the San Francisco 49ers had to bring in theirs who is a former USC Trojan and No. 3 overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft.

Now, reserve quarterback Sam Darnold is one play away from performing in the biggest game of the year at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, as Gary Klein of The Los Angeles Times writes.

 “As a backup, you have no idea what’s going to happen," Darnold said. "Obviously, we want Brock to stay healthy and stay on the field. But if my time does come, I’m very confident in myself to be able to go out there and do my job.”

The 49ers were forced to learn the hard way last season about having a capable backup just in case of an emergency. Brock Purdy left the NFC Championship game injured in the first quarter and his backup Josh Johnson was knocked out with a concussion. Purdy had to come back in without being a passing threat.

Catching up with former USC quarterback Sam Darnold. pic.twitter.com/Mdorjfexx7

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) February 6, 2024

San Francisco is Darnold's third stop and first as the true backup but the 49ers have been so good this season that he has appeared in 10 games. He has completed 28 of 46 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns, with an interception. 

His job going into Sunday's game is to make sure Purdy and the 49ers defense are ready for the Kansas City Chiefs. 

“There is a little bit of a weird mindset that goes with that with wanting to play football, but also understanding my job is to get Brock ready and get the defense ready to go out there and win a game on Sunday," Darnold said.

Darnold understands what his role is and he is going into Sunday with the mindset that he's going to do the best he can.