USC football training camp: Linebacker breakdown

The linebacker is usually the heart and soul of a defense, and for USC last years it was no different. Which made the losses of seniors Porter Gustin and Cameron Smith such a blow to the Trojans, who have some big holes to fill at linebacker entering 2019.
Here’s a breakdown of where USC stands at linebacker:
Key returnees: Hunter Echols (So.), Juliano Falaniko (So.), Palaie Gaoteote IV (So.), Spencer Gilbert (Fr.), John Houston Jr. (Sr.), Jordan Iosefa (Sr.), Kana’i Mauga (So.)