Is Drake London actually a tight end for USC football?

USC football wide receiver Drake London could do the job of a tight end if asked, according to offensive coordinator Graham Harrell.

What USC football highlights of tight ends and you’ll see wide receiver Drake London.

Ask offensive coordinator Graham Harrell for a comparison for the sophomore and he jumps to NFL tight ends.

So is Drake London a wide receiver or a tight end?

“The line is very blurred between receiver and tight end,” Harrell admitted.

For the Trojans, it doesn’t really matter. He’s the best of both worlds.

Drake London’s role for USC football is to be a TE-like mismatch at WR.

The important thing to know about London is he’s a matchup nightmare.

“Like a lot of those elite tight ends, he’s a similar matchup issue,” Harrell said. “If you put someone small on him he can manhandle them and he’s just bigger. If you put someone big on him he’s too athletic.”

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For that reason, don’t expect to see London moved from the inside role he handled last year.

While the Trojans need to find someone to fill the gap left by Michael Pittman, Harrell isn’t concerned with finding a direct replacement. It certainly doesn’t sound like he’s going to move London to the outside where Pittman worked.

When you have a mismatch nightmare like London, don’t fix what isn’t broken. Keep him on the inside and let him do to opposing offenses what Travis Kelce does for the Chiefs.

At the same time, London does remain a wide receiver. Even though Harrell says he could do the job if asked, the Trojans are still looking for tight ends who can stretch the field in the passing game while also lining up as a blocker in the run game.

USC has a blocker at tight end in Erik Krommenhoek. They have a receiving threat in London or even Josh Falo. The next phase will be to find a tight end who can dominate on both ends of that role.

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There should already be a prototype for that on the roster. Harrell himself called out Jude Wolfe as an exciting prospect to watch.

“He’s big, he’s strong, he’s physical,” Harrell said. “That’s what you’re looking for.”

Imagine defenses having to cover London and Wolfe on the field at the same time? Maybe its time to start dreaming those dreams.