17 for '17: Chuma Edoga
Our countdown of USC’s most intriguing players to watch in spring practice continues. Note: This is a list of guys who have the most to gain and are best positioned to do so.
For each player, we examine the depth chart, back story, outlook, key questions and how their role could swing in spring.
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6. CHUMA EDOGA
Profile: 6-4, 290, junior
Current pecking order: He's the favorite to start at left tackle, with Clayton Johnston currently behind him.
Background: The Georgia native could have signed with just about any of the nation’s elite coming out of high school. He enrolled early at USC and immediately impressed then-offensive line coach Bob Connelly. Edoga played more than most reserve linemen and made a couple spot starts at right tackle when Zach Banner switched to the blind side in place of Chad Wheeler. In 2016, Edoga again found himself behind Banner in what was a difficult year on and off he field. He opened the season starting at left tackle as Wheeler needed a bit more time to recover from a torn ACL. Edoga started Game 2 but was ejected during the opening series. He didn’t appear in three of the next six games and planned to transfer, going so far as asking for his release from the program. He also didn’t appear in the Rose Bowl. While he hasn’t specified why he’s chosen to stay — he acknowledged his head “wasn’t in it” last year but denied wanting to transfer — look no further than the depth chart.
Outlook: Coach Clay Helton has basically said the left tackle job is Edoga’s to lose. Edoga himself stated he was better at right tackle last season. That is probably still true today. But he’s also probably USC’s best left tackle. Its options are limited this spring, which could mean he’ll have his spot locked down going into training camp. He’s noted that he’s working on reversing his techniques after spending most of the past two years on the other side. He also attests to having renewed focus. Teammates have said Edoga still needs to mature. Sometimes that process is expedited by having a bigger role. It doesn’t get much bigger in college football than protecting Sam Darnold.
Key questions: How good is he on the blind side? Will being a full-time player bring out the best in him? How can USC utilize the athleticism he brings to the tackle position?
Swing potential: He can be the starting left tackle or move back to right tackle and start there. It’s hard to see him not being the guy at one of these spots, but should it happen, then it’d be hard to see him staying at USC.
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17 FOR '17
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