USC edge rusher Romello Height (shoulder) has surgery, likely out for the season

USC’s defensive line is currently being stocked with recruits … for 2023. In 2022, this is USC’s thinnest position group, with the offensive line not too far behind.

USC’s defensive line just got thinner on Thursday. Lincoln Riley announced that rush end Romello Height, the transfer from Auburn, will likely be out for the remainder of the 2022 season with a shoulder injury. Height had surgery earlier this week to repair that shoulder.

Height’s absence puts more of a focus — and loads more pressure — on Korey Foreman, the other main rush end on the USC defensive roster. Foreman has made what could reasonably be viewed as incremental progress, but he and the other performers on the defensive line are a long way from transforming this unit into a team strength. The main goal for USC’s defensive line right now is “be competent,” something better than awful. Playing average football is likely good enough with the offense the Trojans have. Playing poorly will get USC in trouble.

The thin defensive line does mean that Lincoln Riley’s recent recruiting wins are especially valuable. Riley, Alex Grinch, and defensive line coach Shaun Nua are replenishing the roster with defensive linemen for next year. USC’s current depth concerns won’t exist to the same extent in 2023. That’s the good news.