In the days before spring practice begins on March 5, TrojanSports.com is previewing a USC position group. We continue with defensive linemen.
ROSTER
Returning: Connor Murphy RS Jr.; Caleb Tremblay RS Jr.; Liam Jimmons RS Jr.; Brandon Pili, Jr.; Marlon Tuipulotu, RS So.; Jay Tufele, RS So.; Jacob Lichtenstein, RS So.; Trevor Trout, RS Fr.
Lost: Malik Dorton
Added: Drake Jackson, Nick Figueroa
Arriving in summer: Dejon Benton
KEY QUESTIONS
1. Can Tufele make a significant leap as a full-time player?
2. Will any of the other six third- and fourth-year linemen break out?
3. How good will Jackson be after his first spring?
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
The third down lineman: Tufele goes into spring as a starter, or at least he should. Tuipulotu has a comfortable lead at nose tackle. While both should be challenged -- the defensive line is in no position to be complacent -- the tightest battle figures to be for who plays next, or with them. USC employed three and four DL at once a bit more last season, a trend that might continue depending on which parts of the front six prove strongest. Tufele alternates between defensive tackle and end, while Tuipulotu is almost always stationed at nose tackle. There are a host of candidates that could fill in where Tufele isn’t, with Lichtenstein currently the clubhouse leader to man that spot. There's always the chance Christian Rector returns to the line -- he'll likely see some time at DE -- though depth doesn't necessitate such a move.
