USC Football: 5 incoming freshmen who could start in 2018

Another position that could be left without a rock-solid replacement is center. Nico Falah has exhausted his eligibility, leaving an open spot in the middle of the offensive line. That’s where four-star Army All-American center Justin Dedich could come into play.

Dedich is ranked the No. 1 center in the entire class and the No. 65 prospect in the country, per 247Sports. If that’s not an adequate replacement for Falah, I don’t know who would be.

Cole Smith, a junior center, could push for that starting job as well and will be taking the first-team reps in spring ball, but when Dedich gets to campus, an open competition will take place.

The 6-foot-2, 290-pound incoming freshman reigns from Temecula, Calif., and signed with the Trojans in the early period. He’s a strong lineman who plays with a low base and rarely surrenders sacks. He has the potential to be a four-year starter for the Trojans and that would begin this fall.