Over the past week of summer workouts, Jordan Simmons has been taking reps on the defensive line. TrojanSports.com has confirmed this is where the redshirt junior intends to keep playing.
The former five-star offensive guard prospect is looking to make a permanent switch to the defensive line as he enters his fourth year.
The move makes a lot of sense considering USC's dearth of depth on the D-line and the wealth of it on the offensive side. The 6-4, 325-pound Simmons could be a natural fit at nose tackle behind Antwaun Woods, who is returning from a torn pectoral muscle.
Simmons, who was the nation's top-ranked guard coming out of Encino Crespi three years ago, has been plagued by injuries at USC. He had knee surgery prior to his inaugural season, which he redshirted, and then missed the final seven games of 2013 and final 10 games of 2014 because of knee injuries.
The Trojans seemingly are set at offensive guard, what with Damien Mama and Viane Talamaivao the established starters and Toa Lobendahn likely to slide over from tackle upon Chad Wheeler's return.
The former five-star offensive guard prospect is looking to make a permanent switch to the defensive line as he enters his fourth year.
The move makes a lot of sense considering USC's dearth of depth on the D-line and the wealth of it on the offensive side. The 6-4, 325-pound Simmons could be a natural fit at nose tackle behind Antwaun Woods, who is returning from a torn pectoral muscle.
Simmons, who was the nation's top-ranked guard coming out of Encino Crespi three years ago, has been plagued by injuries at USC. He had knee surgery prior to his inaugural season, which he redshirted, and then missed the final seven games of 2013 and final 10 games of 2014 because of knee injuries.
The Trojans seemingly are set at offensive guard, what with Damien Mama and Viane Talamaivao the established starters and Toa Lobendahn likely to slide over from tackle upon Chad Wheeler's return.
