Countdown to 2008 Kickoff: 53 Days

As we continue the countdown to the 2008 season, we arrive at number 53... which also happens to be the number of the best offensive linemen in the nation, Jeff Byers.

The 2003 Gatorade National Player of the Year has suffered several injuries over the years at USC but he is ready to finish his career as a Trojan in fine form. Byers returned to the starting lineup last season and unleashed his fury on opponents. He was mauling people left and right and he was usually seen pancaking the opposition. Byers helped anchor the offensive line last season and we hope he will continue that role with the departures of Sam Baker, Matt Spanos and Chilo Rachal.

The veteran Byers is a in his senior season and is on the 2008 Outland Trophy "watchlist". He is also a candidate for Academic All-American. Byers is in his second year of working on his M.B.A. A leader in the classroom and a fierce competitor on the playing field, Jeff Byers is a true beast. One can only imagine his impact on the team had he not been sidelined with injuries. Byers would have moved the pile on that 4th and 2 against Texas in THE Rose Bowl in 2006. I doubt fucla would have been in the game if Byers had been opening holes in the 2006 upset.

If anyone remembers the Idaho game, there was one play in the second quarter where Byers blocked an opponent and his victim flew 5 yards in the air. Byers can manhandle his opponents and he embodies what the Trojan Force will accomplish this season.