RT position shaping up between Raymond and Tauanuu for USC football

As is the case with any team, particularly in the Big Ten, USC football is emphasizing its play on the offensive line. Most view the quarterback as the most important position on the field. If this is true, the unit that protects the QB would have to consequently come in second. For a group that is often overlooked, the positions throughout the line are essential to the overall team success.

At right tackle, an intriguing battle is continuing to take place as spring camp reaches its midway point. Tobias Raymond and Justin Tauanuu are doing well in the early goings. During the summary of the program's progress so far, head coach Lincoln Riley made sure to take the time to single out the two aforementioned players.

Raymond is a redshirt sophomore from Venture High School in California. During his second year as a Trojan, he made an appearance during all of the games and eventually earned the start during the Las Vegas Bowl. Entering his third season at USC, he will look to cement playing time as a starter.

Tauanuu, meanwhile, is a redshirt freshman. His first year saw him still play in three games, including against Texas A&M at Allegiant Stadium in the final postseason matchup of the year. He is another in-state college athlete who played at Huntington Beach High School before arriving on campus.

USC football RT position update from HC

While speaking with reporters, coach Riley offered his assessment of the linemen. He mentioned that Raymond was separating himself as one of the top all-around players on the o-line. The Trojans HC also lauded Tauanuu for competing so far and making a good case for himself. Speaking on the RT competition directly, the fourth-year coach shared: 

"We feel like the way those two guys are playing right now, you feel like there's two starters there."

Regardless of who ends up winning the starting nod, both appear slated to have a significant role for USC football this year. Unfortunately, injuries can play a factor, and either player could be asked to fill in somewhere else over the course of the season, particularly for the person who ends up losing the initial battle.

A lot can happen between now and then, and by all means, nothing is set in stone or even penciled in at this point. Early April is there to hone skills and keep your name in the ongoing conversations among the coaching staff. Either way, expect to see Raymond and Tauanuu in the trenches a lot this year.