Who has the right stuff to start at left tackle at USC? The competition is fierce

USC will launch an official depth chart after Wednesday evening’s observe, providing a long-awaited glimpse into Lincoln Riley’s position-by-position plans for his first season as Trojans coach.

However one necessary battle stays undecided — and will keep that method by Saturday’s opener towards Rice.

USC offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Josh Henson wouldn’t decide to naming a left deal with Tuesday, and whereas Wednesday’s depth chart reveal would possibly checklist one identify above the opposite, Henson made it clear that Bobby Haskins and Courtland Ford could be competing by the top of the week.

“I’m unsure that it received’t play out till by the sport, and which may be one thing we do,” Henson stated. “Possibly each guys will play, I don’t know, however that’s type of the place I’m at proper now. Nobody has actually separated himself at that spot, and nobody’s actually obtained themselves behind. We’re simply type of in the future one man’s just a little higher, in the future the following man’s just a little higher, which is an effective factor. We’re in a heck of a battle, so which will get determined by sport play additionally.”

Haskins began 20 video games over 4 seasons at Virginia earlier than transferring to USC, however he missed all of spring observe after foot surgical procedure. Ford, a redshirt sophomore, was the Trojans’ left deal with for the primary eight video games final season earlier than he missed many of the closing month coping with sickness.

For a lot of fall camp, Ford appeared to have the benefit over Haskins, as he was most frequently seen with the first-team offensive line in the course of the open portion of observe. Whether or not that steadiness has shifted stays to be seen. However as a call looms, Henson stated he’s in search of “consistency” from each tackles.

Henson isn’t nervous about any lingering questions at left deal with affecting chemistry elsewhere.

“Oh, it’s high quality,” Henson stated. “Each guys are in there working. Each do a very good job, they’re good communicators, they know what they’re doing, they work effectively. [Left guard Andrew] Vorhees beside them is a really veteran man, so it’s not been a problem.”

New captains

Quarterback Caleb Williams, offensive guard Justin Dedich, linebacker Shane Lee and defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu have been named workforce captains, Riley introduced Tuesday.

Not one of the 4 got here as a shock to the Trojans coach. Captains are voted on by the workforce.

“It was by a fairly vital margin,” Riley stated. “The workforce fairly clearly seems at these 4 as guys they need to symbolize them.”

For Dedich, who waited 4 years to earn a beginning spot on USC’s offensive line, it was an particularly significant honor.

“Trusting the method … I actually purchased into that,” Dedich stated. “Now I’m simply grateful to earn the job.”

Max capabilities

USC defensive again Max Williams has been working at security and nickel in latest practices and will bounce between each positions this season. His versatility may open the door for one more younger defensive again, Jaylin Smith.

“Having the posh of Max shifting round does create alternatives for Jaylin to play,” Riley stated. “It exhibits Jaylin we’re intent on giving him a possibility.”

Smith appeared in 9 video games final season as a freshman, incomes one begin towards Notre Dame, whereas Williams sat out the entire 2021 season due to a knee harm.