USC Football Training Camp: Key Questions for Offensive Line and Tight Ends
As USC football enters training camp, two critical positions—offensive line and tight ends—are under intense scrutiny. Offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Josh Henson and tight ends coach Zach Hanson face important challenges and decisions as they evaluate their depth charts over the coming month.
Henson’s task is particularly pressing. He revealed at USC’s media day that the competition for the right guard spot remains open and may extend into training camp. This is significant as it widens the pool of candidates beyond those initially considered. Henson mentioned several players, including Amos Talalele, Alani Noa, Gino Quinones, and potentially Tobias Raymond, as contenders for the position. The aim is to evaluate all options thoroughly during practice sessions to identify the best fit for the role.
The offensive line has a clear setup with Elijah Paige at left tackle, Emmanuel Pregnon at left guard, Jonah Monheim at center, and Mason Murphy at right guard. However, the lack of decisive performances from Noa and Talalele so far is a concern. Henson’s decision to involve multiple players in the competition is a strategy to gauge depth and ensure a strong two-deep rotation. It is crucial for someone to secure the position definitively during the 26 practice sessions before USC’s season opener against LSU on September 1.
Meanwhile, tight ends coach Zach Hanson faces a different set of questions. Veteran Lake McRee returns to practice but is not guaranteed a starting role. Hanson will closely watch emerging talents such as freshmen Joey Olsen, Walter Matthews, and Walker Lyons, alongside McRee, Kade Eldridge, CJ Woods, and injured Carson Tabaracci. Hanson expressed curiosity about how McRee will recover from his injury and how new recruits will adapt to their roles. He highlighted Olsen’s transition from wide receiver to tight end as particularly noteworthy, emphasizing Olsen’s physical development and improved blocking skills.
Hanson’s tight end room includes a mix of new and experienced players, adding to the intrigue. With players like Eldridge and Tabaracci adjusting to new positions, and Olsen making significant physical gains, the group is full of potential. Hanson is optimistic about their progress and is eager to see which players stand out during camp.
Overall, while Henson needs to resolve the right guard spot urgently, Hanson has the flexibility to let the tight end situation evolve more naturally. Both coaches face significant tasks that will impact USC’s offensive performance this season.
