Written by Dave Dulberg, USC blog contributor
In 1993, when offensive line coach James Cregg (pictured below by John McGillen) was looking to play college ball, the native of Norco, CA had his sights set to play at USC.
While the former offensive lineman would have to settle on Colorado State (1993-1995), 18 years later his dream of dawning the cardinal and gold has finally come to fruition.
"USC has always been a dream school of mine, because back when I was a player I always wanted to play here," Cregg said. "So to be able to finally coach here is an absolute dream. To see this team succeed the way they did this year and to get the program back to where it needs to be, I couldn't be more thrilled."
This season, the Trojans were dynamic on the offensive side of the football, finishing in the top 20 in passing yards and points scored. Although most of the attention centered around junior QB Matt Barkley (3,528 passing yards, conference-record 39 TDs and 7 INTs), redshirt junior RB Curtis McNeal (1,005 rushing yards and 6 TDs) and the wideout tandem of sophomore Robert Woods (conference-record 111 catches, 1,292 receiving yards and 15 TDs) and freshman Marqise Lee (73 catches, 1,143 receiving yards and 11 TDs), the real difference makers were Cregg's big uglies up front.
Heading into the 2011 season, the offensive line was arguably the biggest question mark due to the departures of RT Tyron Smith (Cowboys' 1st round pick), C Kristofer O'Dowd and OG/OT Butch Lewis. Yet, despite the losses, the second-year offensive line coach found a way to get the most out of a group that featured veteran LT Matt Kalil and four new starters to their respective positions (C Khaled Holmes, LG Marcus Martin, RG John Martinez and T Kevin Graf).
"Repetition was really the key for these guys this year," said Cregg (pictured below by the OC Register). "I am just really impressed with the way they gelled and came together as a group. As the year went on, especially after the Notre Dame game, there is no question got stronger as a unit."
If the offensive line entered the year as a question mark, their resounding answer at the conclusion of the 2011 season could be heard loud and clear across the country. The line finished No. 1 in the country in least amount of sacks allowed (8), a testament not only to the unit's cohesiveness on the field but also to their coach's unique mentality towards teaching the game.
"My previous experience as a defensive line coach definitely helps me in my current role," said Cregg, who held the position with Colgate and Idaho from 2000-2006. "Knowing the other side of the ball and how opposing coordinators are going to prepare their guys, really helps me prepare my guys. I coach the offensive line just how I coached the defensive line."
At 38, Cregg is now on his sixth coaching stop (previously worked for Lane Kiffin in Oakland and at the University of Tennessee) of his 14-year career. But for once, he may have found a place he can finally call home.
"This season was so special for the coaching staff and the players in some many ways," said Cregg. "We had each others' back from day one and it was really enjoyable to be a part of something like that. To have the success we did as an offensive line, it means everything had to fall in place. Coach Kiffin did a phenomenal job with our protections and with calling plays, and our players just followed suit and played for each other. I can't wait to build upon our success next season."
