USC's young linemen are healthy and contributing this spring

USC’s starting offensive line in 2022 is likely to be a veteran one. But a couple of young players could go a long way this season in pushing those vets, providing depth and projecting positivity for the future up front.

Mason Murphy and Maximus Gibbs were nowhere to be found when watching the offensive line practice over the latter stages of the 2021 season. Murphy was sidelined after suffering a Jones fracture in his foot and Gibbs was doing what he could to help provide depth at nose tackle.

Now, they’re both back on the offensive line, healthy and contributing.

Murphy said he’s been back fully healthy for about five months. Right now he’s running exclusively at left tackle behind returning starter Courtland Ford. Offensive line coach Josh Henson specifically mentioned Murphy last week when talking about building depth on the line and non-starters standing out. Murphy said he’s doing everything he can to absorb from Ford this new USC offense and any tips on finding improvements in his game.

“We talk about the scheme of the offense and the different calls that we have,” Murphy said. “We always talk ball. It’s just me and him working real hard to get this offense down.”

Murphy gave credit to former offensive line coach Clay McGuire, and loves what he’s gotten from Henson so far this spring.

“He’s the best of both worlds as far as pass and run,” Murphy said. “He always has something positive to say and I’ve already learned so much from him in the short amount of time he’s been here.”

Murphy said he’s been blown away by the way Riley teaches his offense.

“I watched him break down a play the other day and his brain is crazy,” Murphy said. “It’s definitely much more physical. Definitely a lot more going on. It’s going to be an effective offense once we all become more disciplined with it.”

Murphy said there’s still plenty of work to do as a whole. But he feels good about where the offense is at this point in time.

Gibbs Getting in Shape

Gibbs also returns to the 2022 offensive line after time away last season. But not all of him is back.

After ending last season weighing in at 410 pounds, Gibbs is now down to 370 with an eye on getting into the 350 range.

Gibbs has always been surprisingly athletic for a player his size. But now he’s starting to find out out exactly what he’s capable of at a more workable weight in an offense that necessitates athleticism and movement from its offensive line.

“I feel way lighter,” Gibbs said. “It makes me really happy. It makes me trust the coaches more.”

Gibbs credits strength coach Bennie Wylie for pushing him this offseason. Though Gibbs did plenty of work on his own. He said he works on whatever he can anytime he can. That includes directly after practice. Gibbs said he’ll stay on the field for a bit working on any technique or playbook issues that might have arisen during practice. He also gets in an extra workout, whether it’s jumping rope or hitting the StairMaster. His food intake has changed drastically as well as he focuses on moderation.

“Hard work, dedication, eating habits,” Gibbs said of everything that’s gone into his process. “Every day finding something to work on.”

Gibbs was sold on this USC offense when the Riley hiring was announced. He quickly dove into watching Oklahoma film to see what it might look like.

“I knew it was going to be a lot of counters,” he said. “It’s really creative how the o-line is pulling now and how they’re really athletic.”

Gibbs is also happy to be back home on the offensive line. It’s where he feels most comfortable. And it’s the position he sees for himself. But he’ll be a favorite amongst USC fans and teammates for his willingness to flip over to defense last season and the work he’s put in to reshape himself this offseason. Henson had praise for Gibbs this spring, saying the young lineman has “stepped up inside and is doing a nice job.”

Their Fit on the Line This Season

With Murphy at left tackle and Gibbs and guard, there are no obvious openings in the starting lineup this season. Ford is the obvious answer at left tackle. And Bobby Haskins will jump into the mix there as soon as he is fully healthy. But Henson did say he felt Murphy “has a real shot” out at tackle.

The guard spots have veterans in Andrew Vorhees and Justin Dedich manning them. But just as important as getting that potential starting five up to speed this spring was making sure the Trojans had another three or four linemen ready to jump into a starting spot should something arise this fall.

Ty Buchanan’s transfer to Texas Tech means Murphy and Gibbs are the two remaining offensive linemen from the 2021 class. USC has to keep them involved and progressing for the future of that line. At this point, a starting spot this year might be a significant uphill battle. But this work is going to go a long way in their ability to step in if needed this season and establish themselves as likely starters in 2023.