Toa Lobendahn and Cameron Smith Will Return to USC in 2018
January 10, 2018 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
Today (Jan. 10), OL Toa Lobendahn and LB Cameron Smith announced that they would both return to USC for their senior seasons in 2018.
Lobendahn, a redshirt junior, has made 34 career starts at USC at four different positions: 18 at left tackle, 8 at left guard, 5 at right guard and 3 at center.
"I'm super excited to play another year for the best school in the universe and put on that Cardinal and Gold again," said Lobendahn. "I'm so thankful to all the USC fans for everything they do for us."
Lobendahn started every game of his true freshman season, earning Freshman All-American honors. The Cerritos, Calif. native suffered knee injuries in 2015 and 2016 that shortened his seasons, but returned and started all but one game in 2017, bolstering an offensive line that helped QB Sam Darnold set USC single-season records for passing yards and total offense. With Lobendahn returning, the Trojans will only lose one starter from the 2017 offensive line: graduating senior center Nico Falah.
Smith, a true junior and team captain, announced his decision on his Instagram, writing "I'm honored to wear this Cardinal and Gold for one more year!"
The Roseville, Calif. native has started every game and led the Trojans in tackles in each of the last two seasons. In 2017, he posted 112 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections up and 1 interception on his way to First Team All-Pac-12 honors. His 112 tackles were the most in a single season by a Trojan since Troy Polamalu racked up 118 in 2001.
In 2016, Smith posted 83 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 4 pass deflections and 1 forced fumble. He earned Sophomore All-American honors and Pac-12 Second Team honors for his performance. As a freshman in 2015, he led the Trojans in tackles and interceptions until suffering a season-ending knee injury 10 games into the year. He earned Freshman All-American honors.
Lobendahn, a redshirt junior, has made 34 career starts at USC at four different positions: 18 at left tackle, 8 at left guard, 5 at right guard and 3 at center.
"I'm super excited to play another year for the best school in the universe and put on that Cardinal and Gold again," said Lobendahn. "I'm so thankful to all the USC fans for everything they do for us."
Lobendahn started every game of his true freshman season, earning Freshman All-American honors. The Cerritos, Calif. native suffered knee injuries in 2015 and 2016 that shortened his seasons, but returned and started all but one game in 2017, bolstering an offensive line that helped QB Sam Darnold set USC single-season records for passing yards and total offense. With Lobendahn returning, the Trojans will only lose one starter from the 2017 offensive line: graduating senior center Nico Falah.
Smith, a true junior and team captain, announced his decision on his Instagram, writing "I'm honored to wear this Cardinal and Gold for one more year!"
The Roseville, Calif. native has started every game and led the Trojans in tackles in each of the last two seasons. In 2017, he posted 112 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections up and 1 interception on his way to First Team All-Pac-12 honors. His 112 tackles were the most in a single season by a Trojan since Troy Polamalu racked up 118 in 2001.
In 2016, Smith posted 83 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 4 pass deflections and 1 forced fumble. He earned Sophomore All-American honors and Pac-12 Second Team honors for his performance. As a freshman in 2015, he led the Trojans in tackles and interceptions until suffering a season-ending knee injury 10 games into the year. He earned Freshman All-American honors.
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