Message sent. The people who decide on the preseason All-Pac-12 rosters doubt USC’s line play this year.
The preseason All-Pac-12 First Team roster did not have a single USC Trojan on the offensive line. The Trojans have Justin Dedich, Jonah Monheim, and Jarrett Kingston, and none of them were named to the first team. There wasn’t room for all three, but the fact that they got completely shut out is certainly a surprise. That offensive line was terrific last year in support of Caleb Williams. If the line suffered, it was only because Andrew Vorhees and Courtland Ford were hurt for much of the year, with Vorhees being the main injury. Depth was still an issue at times. The starting offensive line, however, was fantastic when it was on the field. Dedich not making the 2023 preseason first team is, frankly, a joke.
Now turn to the All-Pac-12 Second Team. We have more skepticism about USC’s line play, this time on defense. It’s a little more understandable that no USC defensive linemen made the second team, because everyone is waiting for Alex Grinch to put the pieces together here, with help from Shaun Nua. Nevertheless, it’s notable that Bear Alexander, Anthony Lucas, Kyon Barrs, and the rest of the defensive line were snubbed.
Clearly, USC’s line play is being doubted. Guys simply have to step up and make a loud statement this season about their true quality.
Here is the preseason All-Pac-12 Second Team defense for 2023, followed by the specialists and kick returners:
