USC's offensive line isn't close to set
USC FOOTBALL REPORT
While Kris O'Dowd is the center and senior Jeff Byers is the left guard, three other positions could still be up for grabs when the Trojans begin training camp in August.
There won't be a lot of mystery when USC releases its end-of-spring depth chart Friday, but the offensive line is one position group that remains in flux.
Sophomore Kris O'Dowd is the center and senior Jeff Byers is the left guard. Three other positions, however, could still be up for grabs when the Trojans begin training camp in August in preparation for their Aug. 30 opener at Virginia.
"They're starting to jell a little, which is good, but we're going to need every rep of fall camp," offensive line coach Pat Ruel said Thursday.
Juniors Nick Howell and Alex Parsons and sophomore Butch Lewis are among the players that Ruel has tried at right tackle. Parsons, sophomore Zack Heberer and junior Thomas Herring have worked at right guard. Junior Charles Brown has of late played left tackle, where Lewis started three games last season.
"They're going to be good when it's all said and done, but right now there's still some thinking going on -- and I need them to quit thinking and play," Ruel said.
Matt Meyer, who graduated early from Stockton Lincoln High so he could participate in spring practice, is part of an incoming freshman class that also includes offensive linemen Khaled Holmes (Santa Ana Mater Dei), Matt Kalil (Anaheim Servite), Tyron Smith (Moreno Valley Rancho Verde) and Daniel Campbell of Houston Aldine High.
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Quarterback Mark Sanchez, who was named the starter on Tuesday, appears to be thriving now that he has the official title.
Sanchez had several outstanding throws, including a 50-yard touchdown to receiver Travon Patterson.
"He's obviously perked up and even more energetic than he normally is," Coach Pete Carroll said of Sanchez.
Sophomore transfer Mitch Mustain acknowledged that the early end of the quarterback competition affected him.
"It's kind of hard to come out with that edge," he said. "Hopefully I can get it back in the summer."
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USC players had various reactions to UCLA's "over the wall" tradition, in which Bruins players ditched practice Tuesday.
"If we did that, I think Coach Carroll would take all our scholarships," safety Taylor Mays said. "[USC] would have a lot of new players."
