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USC Football: Aundrey Walker Named Left Tackle

By Paragon SC
Apr 5, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as Southern California Trojans center Khaled Holmes (78) snaps the ball during a spring practice at Howard Jones Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
Apr 5, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as Southern California Trojans center Khaled Holmes (78) snaps the ball during a spring practice at Howard Jones Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

It is always hard to get a read on things during Spring Ball, which is why I don't put a lot of effort into covering it.

The Big news has been Tre Madden's switch to RB and his subsequent season ending injury. Robert Woods missing spring ball altogether and Matt Barkley apparently having control issues.

Madden's injury is devastating but Woods not participating and Barkley sailing the ball are unimportant.

The most important news to me is who is going to be at Left Tackle protecting Barkley?

Aundrey Walker has been tabbed by Lane Kiffin to fill the spot.

USC coach Lane Kiffin revealed last week that Aundrey Walker will be the team’s left tackle for the foreseeable future, while Kevin Graf will remain at right tackle, the position he played last season.

How do Walker and Graf feel about that?

I had a chance to speak to both after Saturday’s practice. Walker’s side of the story can be found below. Graf’s is coming later today.

WALKER ‘VERY COMFORTABLE’ AT LEFT TACKLE

Walker, who’ll be a sophomore next season, said he was "very surprised" to find out he’d been tabbed as Matt Kalil‘s successor. But Walker also said he feels "very good" about it and "very comfortable" on the left side despite practicing there for only three weeks.

It doesn't matter to me as long as Barkley is protected.

Kevin Graf shows his maturity with the decision.

‘I’M JUST DOING WHAT’S BEST FOR THE TEAM’

Graf wouldn’t say it. He wouldn’t even hint at it. He remained absolutely expressionless during the few minutes we spoke Saturday.

But of course he’s disappointed to not be playing left tackle anymore, especially after getting just one week at the position at the start of spring camp. Any competitive person would feel that way, and the coaching staff would be disappointed in Graf if he didn’t.

No matter what Graf is feeling inside, though, he isn’t about to show it or voice it publicly. He’s being a good soldier, which is also exactly what any coach would want and expect.

This is what we need right now, everyone pulling together.

The real test comes in the fall...

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