USC Football: Khaliel Rodgers Tries Out Defensive Line

Center Khaliel Rodgers lined up on the defensive side of the ball for USC football’s player-run-practice Friday.

As the summer rolls on, USC football’s questions on the defensive remain a hot topic. So it’s no great surprise that center Khaliel Rodgers became the latest offensive lineman to suit up on the defensive side of the ball Friday.

Rodgers, who was limited in spring camp while recovering from injuries he suffered last season, took a spot at defensive tackle, according to Shotgun Spratling of USCFootball.com.

Earlier this summer tackle Chuma Edoga made an appearance on the defensive line, but the move by Rodgers makes much more sense than that experiment.

Edoga is not slated to start in 2016, but he has sixth-man ability as a much used sub. Rodgers, on the other hand, did an admirable job filling in for Max Tuerk and Toa Lobendahn when both went down with knee injuries in 2015, but faces a steeper climb to claim regular reps on the offensive line.

After Rodgers own injuries forced him out of the line up, tackle Nico Falah moved inside and held his own in difficult circumstances. As one of the only available centers this spring, Falah had the chance to make an early impression on new offensive line coach Neil Callaway and may hold an edge going into fall camp.

SEE ALSO: Projecting USC’s 2016 Depth Chart

Meanwhile, Lobendahn is also set to fully return from his ACL rehab this fall and will battle to reclaim his starting place. With exceptional versatility, if Lobendahn fails to secure the starting center spot he could be deployed in other areas across the line. Rodgers would likely find it more difficult to break into the line up unless he won the top spot on the depth chart.

By jumping over to the defensive line, Rodgers can simultaneously show the coaches a strong team mentality, help a position of need and see the field more regularly.

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USC’s defensive line was decimated by graduations after 2015 with five players, including all three starters, moving onto the next phase of their lives. They also lost potential impact player Kenny Bigelow to injury this spring.

A strong recruiting haul last year, including projected starters Rasheem Green and Noah Jefferson, means there is talent on line but experience and depth are short.

The Trojans boosted their prospects by landing Utah transfer Stevie Tu’ikolovatu, who should help the rotation greatly at defensive tackle. Still, extra numbers on the line would help give developing players like Jacob Daniel and Kevin Scott extra time to settle in without the need to throw them into the fire.

If Rodgers can help plug a hole in that spot it might turn out to be a win-win situation for both player and squad. At this point, it’s at least worth the try.