Adversity on USC’s offensive line seems like all but a guarantee, considering this season as well as the last.
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The Trojans used six different O-line combinations last season and already had to make significant changes after losing returning center Kilian O’Connor for the season after the redshirt senior suffered a knee injury in fall training camp.
And yet, the Trojans’ performance has remained consistent.
“We walk out guys right now that have either played some ball or are pretty smart players,” USC head coach Lincoln Riley said on a Thursday morning Zoom call. “It’s a pretty experienced group.”
The line has been especially in harmony with quarterback Jayden Maiava. They’ve kept him mostly clean throughout the first two games of the season – the only hit Maiava has taken was a sack in the season opener against San José State.
Maiava, who’s becoming a Heisman Trophy dark horse candidate, has completed 88.9% of his passes and thrown nine touchdowns in two victories. Those who are protecting him keep on doing their jobs, regardless of the outcome.
“We’re focused on the guys that are twisting in front of us,” offensive lineman Tobias Raymond said. “A lot of times, I have no clue if the ball is gone or not. But sometimes you do notice that, like, man, I haven’t seen a ball get thrown and it hasn’t been dropped. That’s pretty cool.”
Raymond took over at center after O’Connor’s injury, and Hayden Treter came in at left guard. It was a long time coming for Treter, who dealt with injuries most of last season.
The 6-foot-6, 320-pound redshirt sophomore was rarely even able to practice when he first arrived at USC due to lingering knee problems. He gained valuable experience in the Alamo Bowl last season, and his confidence has only grown since he’s been named a starter this season.
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Riley said Treter has done “a complete 180,” and his teammates seem to agree.
“The biggest thing is slowing down the game,” Raymond said. “You get in, and you’re really excited. You can’t wait to go hit somebody, but if you bury down on one guy and you’re supposed to – you’ve got to work together with other guys. You can’t just worry about your job.”
Blocking to maximize yardage on run and pass plays has become a priority for the Trojans, whether they’re on the line or they’re a skill player. Senior running back Waymond Jordan’s 80.9 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus is fourth highest on the team.
“If you’re an offensive skill player, you’re always going to block more than you’re going to carry the football,” Riley said. “That’s how the game works. It’s certainly one of the top, if not the top, things we’ll be evaluating as we continue to figure out who’s going to play.”
Injury updates
Tight end Tucker Ashcraft, defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart and safeties Peyton Dyer and Marquis Gallegos could play in Saturday night’s game against Louisiana, Riley told reporters on the Zoom call.
Receiver Terrell Anderson is also close to playing.
“This was a week where it felt like some of these guys that had a few lingering things out of camp have turned the corner a little bit,” Riley said, “and I don’t know that they all will (play) but all have a chance to.”
Roster addition
USC has added UAB transfer long snapper Caleb Moser to its roster, Riley confirmed Thursday. The addition was made to ensure that the Trojans have three long snappers on the roster.
Luke Brown has been the long snapper in the first two games, with Dylan Black unable to play due to a medical setback.
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Moser will likely be eligible for USC’s Sept. 19 game at Rutgers.