Post-spring practice depth chart released
The USC football team released its final spring depth chart Monday morning following the completion of spring practices.
Coach Lane Kiffin did not decide on a second-string quarterback as he stated after the spring game, listing redshirt freshmen Cody Kessler and Max Wittek as co-second-string signal callers behind senior Matt Barkley.
Sophomore tackle Aundrey Walker broke into the starting lineup claiming the left tackle job. The fight between Walker and redshirt junior Kevin Graf for the left tackle job was one of the primary storylines throughout spring practice. Graf will continue to start at right tackle.
Freshman fullback Soma Vainuku and Walker are the only new offensive starters from the 2011 squad. Walker will replace 2011 All-American tackle Matt Kalil, who entered the 2012 NFL draft.
Defensively, sophomore J.R. Tavai was named starting nose tackle and redshirt sophomore George Uko was named starting defensive tackle, replacing departed tackles DaJohn Harris and Christian Tupou.
Senior Devon Kennard and redshirt senior Wes Horton will team up as the team’s defensive ends. Then-junior Nick Perry, a first team all-conference selection at defensive end last season, also declared for the 2012 NFL draft.
Junior Nickell Robey is still locked in at one cornerback position, but the other side features a three-way tie between senior Isiah Wiley, senior Brian Baucham and redshirt junior Torin Harris.
Senior safety Jawanza Starling — who started alongside senior T.J. McDonald in 2011 — is listed as a co-starter with junior Demetrius Wright.
Recently cleared transfer defensive back Josh Shaw is listed as the third-string free safety behind McDonald and senior Drew McAllister.
No incoming freshmen are placed in the depth chart with spring-roster players, but Nelson Agholor is listed under wide receiver and tailback.