USC 2008 Starting Linebackers, Question of the Week

Working under linebackers coach Ken Norton, Kaveinga should see some game action this season and be in the thick of things next year when this year’s seniors begin playing on Sundays.

Malcolm Smith was a backup linebacker as a true freshman and one of the most exciting players on special teams. The 6'1", 225 lbs. sophomore from Taft High School is the younger brother of New York Giants wide receiver and former USC All-American Steve Smith.

In 2007, Smith appeared in all 13 games and had six tackles and a forced fumble and also ran back a fumble 31 yards against Nebraska. Coming off a good Spring practice, he will again be a key player on special teams and should compete for more playing time at linebacker.

Jordan Campbell was switched from fullback to linebacker just prior to Spring practice and had a sensational debut. The 5'11", 230 lbs. redshirt freshman played linebacker in his senior year at Norco, where he had 156 tackles, six sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery.

If his Fall camp is anything like his Spring drills, he should push both Maiava and Brown for playing time.

Depending on the game situation and the defensive alignment, Clay Matthews, Jr., as mentioned in last week’s front four analysis, will often be on the field as a stand up defensive end or drop back into a linebacking spot.

One other player that I unfortunately did not mention above is Maurice Simmons. The Super Prep All-American and Prep Star All-American got himself in trouble with the law last winter.

On Friday, Simmons testified at his own trial in Compton Superior Court, where he is charged with second-degree robbery, assault with a firearm and permitting a loaded firearm in his vehicle. The district attorney's office refused a plea bargain agreement, in which Simmons would plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of allowing someone with a gun in his car, as reported in the Los Angeles Daily News.

So, good luck to Maurice, and I hope this has taught him a valuable lesson that will serve him in the future.

If you would like to comment on the Maurice Simmons situation or anything else USC, please go right ahead. With Fall camp beginning this Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. for returning players, let’s see some articles, camp reports, opinions and concerns.

Now my comment on this week’s Trojan Challenge: I feel that when Fall camp ends and the dust has settled Kuluka Maiava will emerge as the starting weak-side linebacker.

What are your feelings? And which one of the younger players will offer the greatest challenge to the incumbents and make his case for substantial playing time?

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