USC went to the junior college ranks to address one of the team’s main positions of need.
Lincoln Riley suggested that USC might not be finished adding players to their roster during Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday. Just a few hours later, offensive lineman Erwin Taomi from Santa Maria (Calif.) Hancock Community College announced his commitment to the Trojans.
Taomi received his offer from USC on Tuesday and signed with them the following day. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 340 pounds, Taomi was not ranked by major recruiting services when he graduated from Santa Maria (Calif.) St. Joseph High School last spring. In his single season at Hancock, he played on both the offensive and defensive lines, with his role as an offensive tackle being particularly notable given USC’s current needs.
Jonah Monheim, who was USC’s starting left tackle last season, will be transitioning to center for the upcoming season. Redshirt freshman Elijah Paige will take over the left tackle position. Emmanuel Pregnon is back as the left guard, while three players—Alani Noa, Amos Talalele, and Gino Quinones—will vie for the starting right guard spot during fall camp. Mason Murphy is expected to be the starting right tackle.
USC’s offensive line depth is a concern, especially behind Paige and Murphy at tackle. The only other tackle with any game experience is second-year freshman Tobias Raymond, who has played just nine snaps in his career.
The remaining tackles on the roster are true freshmen Kalolo Ta’aga, Hayden Treter, and Justin Tauanuu. As newcomers, it’s unlikely any of them will see significant playing time this fall.
Taomi will serve as additional depth, but given USC’s roster situation, there’s a significant chance he could see playing time if he performs well in fall camp and if there are multiple injuries on the offensive line.
“There’s definitely a lot of change with this year’s team,” Monheim remarked on Wednesday at Big Ten Media Day. “Each year brings a unique set of challenges and a different dynamic. You never know what obstacles you’ll face or how adversity will affect you. Despite all the changes, it’s important to keep believing, adapting, and always striving to do your best.”
