USC football returns in about a month to build off a great 2016 campaign, but what does the 2017 two-deep depth chart projection look like?
The 2016 rendition of USC had a terrible September before rattling off nine straight wins, including a shootout victory over Penn State in the Rose Bowl. Now coming off a 10-win season, the expectations in Los Angeles are even higher.
To make a run at a Pac-12 Championship and possible College Football playoff bid, the Trojans will have to replace several key playmakers. They are losing a handful of starters from last year’s team, but at USC, it’s about reloading and not necessarily rebuilding.
Can USC make a run at it’s first national title in 13 years? That would be quite impressive for second year head coach Clay Helton.
Here’s a look at the two-deep depth chart for the Trojans heading into the 2017 season.
Offensive Line
Starting Tackles: Chuma Edoga (LT), Nico Falah (RT)
Backups: Clayton Johnston, Andrew Vorhees
Along the offensive line, USC needs to fill in the gaps and it’s still a work in progress heading into the fall. The Trojans lost three players along the line from last year.
Chuma Edoga seems to have solidified himself at the left tackle position. The junior has played both tackle positions, but the coaches will trust him to protect quarterback Sam Darnold‘s blindside. Redshirt sophomore Clayton Johnston should be serving as Odaga’s backup.
Over on the right side, things are murkier. Fifth year senior Nico Falah is coming off a few injuries this spring including a herniated disc but he does seem healed and ready to go now. Watch for true freshman Andrew Vorhees. The 6-foot-6, 290-pounder came along nicely in the spring and could definitely push for playing time this fall.
Starting Center: Toa Lobendahn
Backup: Cole Smith
Senior Toa Lobendahn tore his ACL last September and has been healing since. He should be ready to go this fall. If he’s hindered in any way, Nico Falah could slide back over to his natural position at center. This is why the line truly is a work in progress.
With the injuries to both Lobendahn and Falah, redshirt sophomore Cole Smith got the first team reps at center. He’s probably not ready to start but he can certainly play in a backup role.
Starting Guards: Chris Brown (LG), Viane Talamaivao (RG)
Backups: Roy Hemsley, Jordan Austin
The only absolute certainty along the front five is Viane Talamaivao playing at right guard. The 6-foot-2, 315-pound Talamaivao is entering his final year at USC and has started 32 games at the right guard position, so nothing is changing now. Right now junior Jordan Austin projects to be Talamaivao’s backup.
For the left guard position, both Chris Brown and Roy Hemsley had good spring practices in the position battle. Brown has more experience here so he will probably win the starting spot in fall camp.