Needed stability and solidifying presence for USC from Elijah Paige at LT position

Watching tape includes analyzing one's own performance, as well as others who excel at the position. For USC left tackle Elijah Paige, analyzing the tape of Atlanta Falcons LT Jake Matthews is part of his on-field work, as he discussed earlier with the media during spring camp.

It's telling that Paige would watch and look to learn from someone who earned a previous Pro Bowl selection and has been a member of the same roster for over a decade. While Matthews has been a steady presence in that NFL organization, so too is Paige for the Trojans.

Now in his third year at USC, the All-Big Ten Honorable Mention is a solidifying presence on the offensive line. Fans have seen him go up against the likes of Abdul Carter and more than hold his own.

For 2025, Paige will once again be instrumental in keeping his quarterback upright while looking to spring his running back teammates free in the rushing game.

Particularly on the offensive line, cohesion is everything. This is a principle that holds true for an offense as a whole. If the continuity isn't present among the five OL bodies, it becomes quite evident as disaster then strikes.

Paige has his areas to work on. The redshirt sophomore will know that and is aware of where he needs to improve. For the most part, he is a complete option at tackle, especially when he's able to pull and get a full head of steam against the opposing linebackers.

In pass protection, he does a good job of keeping the QB's blindside safe and will be counted on to do so again for Jayden Maiava heading into the fall. At his size and skill set, Paige could be someone to keep an eye on as his Trojan career progresses to continuously creep up the NFL mock draft boards.

Key component to 2025 USC team

Until that becomes a more immediately relevant point of discussion, USC fans will enjoy watching Paige continue to grow and develop within the coach Lincoln Riley-led offense.

It's still early, and there are a couple of months before opening kickoff, but USC knows what they have in Paige. This is a sport that tends to have more changing and evolving parts than not. Being able to rely on someone like Paige, who models part of his game after Matthews, is something of a blessing for this USC staff to be able to rely on.