At 6-foot-9, USC freshman offensive tackle Zach Banner's size could be an asset for the Trojans on special teams. Not only can he protect on field goals and punts, but his height allows him to be a force blocking extra points and field goals. If Banner is going to play in 2012, however, he will have to contribute on more than just special teams.
USC coach Lane Kiffin said Thursday that Banner wouldn't play this season unless he also has a role on offense.
Kiffin said he would "not" burn Zach Banner's redshirt year unless he played on offense. Not just special teams
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) August 24, 2012
Banner, who was ranked as a four-star recruit by Scout.com and a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, could have filled the designated field-goal blocker role that Matt Kalil handled last year. If Banner does indeed redshirt, the field goal blocker role will likely be filled by Marcus Martin, Max Tuerk or Leonard Williams.
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