University Southern California Trojans
Brothers in Arms
August 11, 2017 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
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USC veteran offensive linemen Viane Talamaivao, Nico Falah and Toa Lobendahn have been roommates for three years, and now, finally, they can take their off-field chemistry and put it to good work manning the Trojans front.
"Chemistry plays a big part in how we play," Falah said. "We have created a bond on and off the field. It translates on the field through our communication."
Falah joined the program in 2013. He was a bit of a late-bloomer, not seeing critical action until late in the 2015 season when he was pressed into starting duty for the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Talamaivao and Lobendahn came aboard a year later, 2014, and took a much shorter path to the field. They both started as true freshmen and earned Freshman All-American recognition.
However, Lobendahn suffered a pair of season-ending knee injuries in 2015 and 2016, limiting him to eight total games since his fabulous freshman campaign. The second knee injury, which came in last year's season opener against Alabama, created a void at center which Falah more than capably filled. Lobendahn is healthy again and expected to fill a role alongside his buddies.
While the Trojans have to replace three starters on the offensive line, head coach Clay Helton explained that the transition has been made much easier thanks to his experienced trio. They already possess many of the qualities that make for a great unit.
"The three of us have a certain trust because we are such good friends," explained Talamaivao. "Communicating is so much easier between us because we know each other. And as far as being able to critique each other and make on the field adjustments outside of the practice field, it's so much easier because we are such good friends."
Lobendahn, Talamaivao and Falah may look like serious and intimidating warriors on the field, but they act more like a comedy trio outside the lines. Talamaivao plays the straight man, while Lobendahn and Falah crack at the first quip.
"We always laugh together and play around," Lobendahn said. "It's hard not to."
Because he took a medical redshirt season, Lobendahn could come back for one more year, but they know that this is their last run together, and they are hoping to make it a special one.
"It's awesome to be able to play with my best friends. I wouldn't want it any other way, especially since it's our last year," Talamaivao said. "It's just good to see Toa back on the field. We missed him the past couple years, so it's been really good to play with the homies again. God, just keep him healthy! That's all we have to do!"
"Chemistry plays a big part in how we play," Falah said. "We have created a bond on and off the field. It translates on the field through our communication."
Falah joined the program in 2013. He was a bit of a late-bloomer, not seeing critical action until late in the 2015 season when he was pressed into starting duty for the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Talamaivao and Lobendahn came aboard a year later, 2014, and took a much shorter path to the field. They both started as true freshmen and earned Freshman All-American recognition.
However, Lobendahn suffered a pair of season-ending knee injuries in 2015 and 2016, limiting him to eight total games since his fabulous freshman campaign. The second knee injury, which came in last year's season opener against Alabama, created a void at center which Falah more than capably filled. Lobendahn is healthy again and expected to fill a role alongside his buddies.
"It means a lot to be coming back to play with Viane and Nico all together for the first time. It's special for sure," Lobendahn said. "First, just being able to get back on the field, but it definitely means a lot to play with them. I was watching them more last year and I miss them. It was great to cheer them on, but being out there is definitely going to be better."
While the Trojans have to replace three starters on the offensive line, head coach Clay Helton explained that the transition has been made much easier thanks to his experienced trio. They already possess many of the qualities that make for a great unit.
"The three of us have a certain trust because we are such good friends," explained Talamaivao. "Communicating is so much easier between us because we know each other. And as far as being able to critique each other and make on the field adjustments outside of the practice field, it's so much easier because we are such good friends."
Lobendahn, Talamaivao and Falah may look like serious and intimidating warriors on the field, but they act more like a comedy trio outside the lines. Talamaivao plays the straight man, while Lobendahn and Falah crack at the first quip.
"We always laugh together and play around," Lobendahn said. "It's hard not to."
Because he took a medical redshirt season, Lobendahn could come back for one more year, but they know that this is their last run together, and they are hoping to make it a special one.
"It's awesome to be able to play with my best friends. I wouldn't want it any other way, especially since it's our last year," Talamaivao said. "It's just good to see Toa back on the field. We missed him the past couple years, so it's been really good to play with the homies again. God, just keep him healthy! That's all we have to do!"
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