Roy Hemsley to transfer from USC Football to ASU

Offensive lineman Roy Hemsley announced his decision to transfer away from USC Football on Thursday, joining the ASU Sun Devils.

USC Football will be short another offensive lineman in 2018 with redshirt junior lineman Roy Hemsley opting to transfer to ASU.

“After discussion with my family and team of people I confide in, I have decided it is in my best interest to spend my final two years of eligibility at another university,” Hemsley wrote on Twitter.

It had been reported in January that Hemsley would move to San Diego State, but he’ll stay in the Pac-12 playing for a division rival.

The move actually appears mutually beneficial for both the player and the Trojans. Hemsley saw first team reps at tackle and guard during spring camp last year, but was overshadowed by the likes of Andrew Vorhees, Austin Jackson and Clayton Johnston when it came to opportunities for real playing time.

USC’s recent recruiting victories up front would make competition for a starting job just as tough going forward. The Trojans added four versatile offensive lineman, many of whom can play guard in 2017, including Vorhees and four-star prospects Alijah Vera-Tucker and Jalen McKenzie. This past recruiting class included four-star center Justin Dedich, who could also try his hand at guard as a Trojan.

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At ASU, Hemsley can compete for playing time with a clean slate under Herm Edwards’ new regime. In the classroom, he will pursue his masters in psychology, making him a graduate transfer who will be able to play immediately, with two years of eligibility remaining.

Meanwhile, his decision to leave helps USC in the numbers department. The Trojans are currently over the 85-man scholarship limit and need to see a number of players go in order to get back in the green. Center Cole Smith retired earlier this year to clear one spot. Hemsley’s transfer clears another.

TRENDING: Previewing USC’s Offensive Line for Spring Camp

“The memories I’ve made at USC as a student athlete will be some of the best moments of my life, and moments I will cherish forever,” Hemsley added. “I want to thank Coach Helton and the rest of the staff for cultivating my talent and making me the man I am today.”

In all, Hemsley saw limited action in 16 games in his Trojan career.