Jalen McKenzie, Southern California Football News: Draft Scout Player News

09/17/20 - OT Jalen McKenzie, rSr/2022, Southern California

When Alijah Vera-Tucker announced last week his plans to skip the Pac-12's postponed season to prepare for the NFL draft, it came as no surprise to Tim Drevno. The USC offensive line coach had spoken a few times to Vera-Tucker and his father prior to his decision, and all along, he sensed the Trojans' top returning lineman was leaning toward leaving early. With Vera-Tucker a potential late first-round pick, Drevno couldn't blame him. But as USC's projected starter at left tackle, Vera-Tucker's departure was about to make Drevno's job a lot more difficult. "Is it a blow that Alijah left? Yeah," Drevno said. "He's a really good player and a great person and a great leader. But I know we have the right guys in the room. We'll get the job done. Somehow, we'll fix the problem."

Even before Vera-Tucker's decision, USC's offensive front had its share of issues to iron out. Both starting tackles from last season had departed, including first-round selection Austin Jackson, and on the left side, the Trojans were without a clear replacement. Vera-Tucker moved over to the tackle spot out of necessity this offseason, having started every game last season on the interior. Without him, USC has no choice but to shuffle some more. Redshirt junior Jalen McKenzie, who spent most of last season at right guard and was slotted to start this one at right tackle, should get the first crack on the left side. He has the experience, with 14 collegiate starts, and the size, at 6 feet 5 and 315 pounds, to successfully transition into the position. But McKenzie won't be the only option. USC continues to look for experienced linemen via transfer, after successfully mining a starting right tackle (Drew Richmond) from the NCAA transfer portal last summer. - Los Angeles Times

rSr/2022