Ryan Kalil is entering his third season as a starter at center for USC, and could be up for major accolades this season. He was a 1st team All Pac 10 performer last year, and was also named to various All American teams. Kalil won the Morris Trophy, given out to the Pac10's top offensive lineman, and was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy.
Kalil is a throwback. He will never be outworked or out hustled. He is as smart and tough as they come on the field, and he will attack defensive linemen considerably bigger than him. He sets up quickly and has the quick hands and feet to keep his man at bay. Kalil also shows the ability to block on the move, and was a big reason for Reggie Bush and LenDale White’s success as Trojans. He is one of the team leaders and is taking on an expanded role this year with the loss of players like Bush and Matt Leinart.
The only thing Kalil truly lacks is ideal size. He measured out well at just under 300, but he played about 15 pounds lighter. He moved well at that size, but he will have to show he can maintain that over the course of the season.
Ryan Kalil has been tough, productive, and durable as a Trojan. With the added size and his impressive post season, Kalil has become the top center in the draft. He may hear his name called at the end of round one, but shouldn’t get out of the second round.