Written by Caroline Deisley, USC blog contributor
USC returns its entire starting offensive line from last season and boasts several experienced reserves, combining for one of the most formidable and highly-anticipated position groups on the roster this fall. The group is adjusting to new leadership once again, its fifth change in the last five years, as OL coach Neil Callaway continues to preach a culture of toughness on the practice field and in the film room.
The line is led by veteran Zach Banner who made the hard decision to return for his final year of eligibility. The 6-foot-9 redshirt senior played both right and left tackle for the Trojans last season, earning a spot on the All-Pac-12 first team. Banner is joined by the most experienced offensive lineman, redshirt senior Chad Wheeler, who could potentially start for his fourth season at left tackle this fall.
Accompanying these two veterans are several talented, young linemen that earned their stripes as freshman starters. Toa Lobendahn is easily the most versatile of the group, starting at right guard, left guard, left tackle and center in his career. Though he's recovering from last season's ACL tear, the junior will look to recapture his starting spot at center come August. Rounding out the starting line are guards Damien Mama (left) and Viane Talamaivao (right) with plenty of competition behind them trying to notch a starting spot.
USC returns its entire starting offensive line from last season and boasts several experienced reserves, combining for one of the most formidable and highly-anticipated position groups on the roster this fall. The group is adjusting to new leadership once again, its fifth change in the last five years, as OL coach Neil Callaway continues to preach a culture of toughness on the practice field and in the film room.
The line is led by veteran Zach Banner who made the hard decision to return for his final year of eligibility. The 6-foot-9 redshirt senior played both right and left tackle for the Trojans last season, earning a spot on the All-Pac-12 first team. Banner is joined by the most experienced offensive lineman, redshirt senior Chad Wheeler, who could potentially start for his fourth season at left tackle this fall.
Accompanying these two veterans are several talented, young linemen that earned their stripes as freshman starters. Toa Lobendahn is easily the most versatile of the group, starting at right guard, left guard, left tackle and center in his career. Though he's recovering from last season's ACL tear, the junior will look to recapture his starting spot at center come August. Rounding out the starting line are guards Damien Mama (left) and Viane Talamaivao (right) with plenty of competition behind them trying to notch a starting spot.
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