Jonah Monheim is taking center stage for USC football

Thuc Nhi Nguyen April 10, 2024

Brett Neilon had Jonah Monheim pegged as the eventual heir to the USC centers throne long before Monheim

even

took the field for the Trojans. From the former three-star prospects first practices at USC in 2020, it was obvious Monheim would find his way to the middle of the offensive line, even if he had to

first

bide his time at guard and tackle

first

.

We didnt really know when, said Neilon, who was a four-year starter at center, but it was like we knew Jonah would make a kick-ass center.

Monheims long-anticipated move to center finally arrives as the Trojans need a stabilizing force on a shaky offensive line that was one of the teams biggest disappointments last season. In search of a bounce-back year, the unit is turning to the redshirt senior who hasnt played center in a game since his youth football days.

Despite the long layoff, the experiment is yielding positive results more than halfway through spring practice. Monheim’s 6-foot-5, 308-pound frame is ideal for the position, and the high football IQ he flashed

even

as a freshman has the Moorpark alumnus probably a little further along than I thought he would be,” head coach Lincoln Riley said.

Hes mentally so far along and knows our stuff so well, thats a great starting point, Riley said, but hes handled the physical demands of it very, very well so far.

Monheim credited some of his quick progress to working with Neilon during the offseason when Neilon was on campus preparing for his pro day this spring. It was a delayed showcase for the Rimington Trophy finalist who tore his Achilles’ tendon during the 2022 Pac-12 championship game, and Neilon needed a workout partner. He texted Monheim.

They worked out twice a week for about six weeks, covering fundamentals from snapping the ball,

and

refining blocking techniques

and while

going through drills. They talked through scenarios and discussed the finer points of the position that is vastly different from the other four line spots.

The things Im trying to take away are his mentality with his steps, with his body placement, his hand placement, Monheim said, things you really only get from live reps.

Although he earned Associated Press All-Pac-12 second team honors last year while starting 12 games at left tackle and once at right guard, Monheim welcomed the move to center because he and USC coaches felt he had his highest professional ceiling at the position. He has the perfect body type for the pros, Neilon said, and even though hes taller than USCs most recent centers, Monheim still has the athleticism to bend his knees and play low inside, where contact comes quicker and from larger defensive linemen.

Its a lot more of a power game on the interior, offensive line coach Josh Henson said.

Each day at practice serves as a reminder for Monheim, who is focused on

takingstacking up

as many live reps as possible during spring practices, which conclude on April 20 with the spring game.

You can watch it a lot on film, but until you actually do it, and feel the physical stuff, thats when you kinda get the difference, Monheim said.

The unique responsibilities of center compared

to with

the other offensive line positions make it hard to predict how a player, even the most experienced ones, will react to the move, Riley said. The Trojans shifted longtime guard Justin Dedich to center last season, but struggled to integrate three transfers and never found chemistry on the line. USC ran efficiently at 4.83 yards per carry, but gave up 2.54 sacks per game, which ranked eighth in the Pac-12.

Last year, I felt like at some spot, there was this disconnect where we couldnt energize each other, Henson said. We just didnt respond to each other when we got in those tough moments. But what Im seeing so far is I’m seeing a lot of guys that are stepping out with enthusiasm, theyre grabbing each other, theyre helping each other, theyre pulling each other along and I like where this group is headed from a culture standpoint.

USC is rebuilding its offensive line with promising young players who are battling for more playing time this year. Sophomore Alani Noa started last years season opener at left guard and is working at right guard along with redshirt freshman Amos Talalele. Sophomore Elijah Paige starred in the Holiday Bowl at left tackle and is expected to reprise the role as the full

–

time starter.

With 40 career game appearances, Monheim is setting the tone for the young group.

Jonah has been through the ringer, Neilon said. He was forced to play young as a freshman and forced to play a lot so I think he can really lead those guys by example easily. Then vocally, hes gotta step up in a big way.

The position change has only increased the spotlight on Monheims leadership responsibilities. He is ready for his moment at center stage.

Theres always pressure, Monheim said, but that just comes with playing football at USC.