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Toa Lobendahn receiving some preseason praise. The senior center was named to the Outland award watch list. The Outland award is given to the best interior lineman in college football.
Congratulations to USC center @T_Lo55 on being named to the Outland Trophy Watch List for the nation’s top interior linemen! #FightOn pic.twitter.com/VUNAm4UQI1
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) July 24, 2018
Lobendahn returning for his senior season was huge for the USC offensive line due to his ability to rotate to different positions on the line. During his freshman season Lobendahn started a both left guard and left tackle which earned him Freshman All-American honors. Last season he earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention while having a solid season at the left tackle position. With Nico Falah in the NFL and USC’s ability to fill other positions on the line, Lobendahn slides to the inside at center.
This isn’t the first watch list Lobendahn is on. Over the weekend he was named to the Rimington award watch list for the best offensive lineman.
The Outland award has awarded to the best interior lineman on offense or defense since 1946. Only one Trojan lineman has taken home the award in program history. Pro Football Hall of Famer and Trojan great Ron Yary won the award back in 1967.