USC freshmen preview: Cole Smith bolsters offensive line depth

Player: Cole Smith

Position: Offensive line

Number: 66

Height: 6 feet 4

Weight: 280 pounds

High school: Mission Viejo

Hometown: Mission Viejo

High school: Smith started for three seasons at Mission Viejo. He is the son of former Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Doug Smith, a six-time Pro Bowl player who worked as an assistant coach at USC in 1993-97.

USC offensive line breakdown: Senior center Max Tuerk is the most experienced player in a group that features returning starters at every position, including junior tackle Zach Banner, sophomore guards Damien Mama and Viane Talamaivao and sophomore Toa Lobendahn, who started at guard and tackle and also worked as Tuerk’s backup. Tackle Chad Wheeler is on track to return from knee surgery, and interior linemen Khaliel Rodgers and Jordan Simmons have experience. Freshmen Chuma Edoga and Roy Hemsley participated in spring practice.

Season prediction for Smith: Could push for backup role.