USC Trojans

With a new position coach added to the fold, not to mention the loss of the unit’s veteran leader at center, there was an aura of change and opportunity surrounding the USC offensive line this spring that was clearly evident during the 15 practices. With that atmosphere serving as the backdrop, here are some of the biggest storylines of the offseason for a group looking to up their level of play in 2013.

New influence at the top

While the USC offensive line did allow a conference-best 17 total sacks in 2012, they also struggled against the more physical defensive fronts that they faced – most notably Stanford and Notre Dame. With that in mind, it’s obvious that in order for the Trojans to get back to their winning ways next season, they have to establish a tougher brand of play up front on offense. In an effort to do just that, Kiffin brought in highly regarded offensive line guru Mike Summers to team with James Cregg, the coach of the position group for the past three seasons. And with the unit showing flashes of improved play, with a nasty demeanor that wasn’t always there last fall, the addition of Summers – who has 32 years of experience – appears to have paid off. Still, as a whole, the Trojans offensive line isn’t where it needs to be just yet, because while they did make strides, they also had their issues on occasion when going up against the new-look USC defense. They still have much to prove, but if they’re able to take that next step under the watchful eyes of Summers and Cregg this offseason, there’s reason to believe that the Trojans will be in good shape here in the fall.

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OAKLAND, Calif. -- As expected, the 2014 class was terrific at the Oakland Nike Football Training Camp, as nine players bagged invitations to The Opening. But the event also provided a glimpse into the future, with several underclassmen standing out. The 2015 class was heavily represented, but a Class of 2017 prospect is already making noise as well.

Jacob Daniel
Fresno (Calif.) Clovis North | DT | 6-4, 300 | 2015

Defensive line coaches raved about Daniel after the big man was impressive in every drill on Sunday. Daniel already holds offers from several BCS programs, including Cal, Iowa, Oregon State and Wisconsin, but that’s likely only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to schools that will eventually step into the picture.

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LOS ANGELES - - While high school talent evaluators were busy this past weekend examining, analyzing, and projecting the future of prospects during the Nike Football Training Camp in Oakland, ESPN’s NFL draft guru Mel Kiper released last week his early offensive college projections and observations for the 2014 draft.

Kiper’s analysis of his top 10 offensive tackles for next spring’s draft revealed a Trojan, but it wasn’t returning senior right tackle Kevin Graf, a player most Trojans fans would expect to see in such early prognostications.

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A number of athletes with either offers or interest from USC took part in the Oakland NFTC this weekend. Here are some of the top storylines to emerge:

1. Mixon isn’t afraid to embarrass his friends
There is a group of recruits from Northern California that are good friends in running back Joe Mixon (Oakley, Ca./Freedom) and linebackers D.J. Calhoun (El Cerrito, Ca./El Cerrito) and Michael Lazarus (Berkeley, Ca./Berkeley).

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