The USC Trojans football team had its media day on Thursday. Quite a few notable topics were raised at the event. Perhaps the most interesting development was that offensive line coach Josh Henson discussed changes within his position group.
There was an announced change up front. Jonah Monheim moved to left tackle and Michael Tarquin has moved to right tackle. They switched spots after the two held previous positions in the spring, per Ryan Kartje of The Los Angeles Times.
When asked what went into the switch, Henson identified “Jonah’s consistency, how consistent he is on a rep by rep basis.”
With Caleb Williams at quarterback in a loaded offense, protecting the pocket and giving him time is the main piece of the offensive picture this season.
Despite making the switch, Monheim reveals he isn’t focused on that and has the same mindset: “My thought process is just kind of always the same. Whatever the coaches ask of me.”
On Friday, though, Lincoln Riley seemed to hedge a little and not firmly commit to a positional switch for the season. Ultimately, both men will get some work at left tackle and will have a chance to battle for that spot in the coming weeks, maybe even a few weeks into the season.
Jonah Monheim said about the switch that “my thought process is just kind of always the same. Whatever the coaches ask of me.”
Henson said he still thinks Monheim’s future in the NFL lies on the interior. But for now, he’ll be LT.
— Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) July 27, 2023
Lincoln Riley said today that USC would “work both [Tarquin and Monheim] into camp” at left tackle. So doesn’t seem like this arrangement is entirely decided yet https://t.co/jJqbjfSqGZ
— Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) July 28, 2023
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