Khaliel Rodgers ready for starting role at center

USC's JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) celebrates his touchdown with Khaliel Rodgers (62) and Justin Davis (22) to take a 42-17 lead over the Utah Utes during the fourth quarter on Saturday.

Staff Writer

Oct. 27, 2015 2:44 PM PT

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Khaliel Rodgers made a big impact when he filled in at center in USC’s impressive victory over previously unbeaten Utah.

This Saturday, Rodgers will start at the position for the first time when the Trojans play California in a Pac-12 Conference game at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley.

Rodgers, a fourth-year junior from Delaware, started three games last season at left guard.

He was thrust into a pivotal role last week when Toa Lobendahn suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first half against Utah. Interim coach Clay Helton had described Rodgers as one of the stars of the game.

“We just prepare so hard and execute in practice, you expect to be ready in the game,” Rodgers said Tuesday.

Rodgers said he received congratulatory messages from Lobendahn and Max Tuerk, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against Washington on Oct. 8 and had surgery last week.

Rodgers is ready to start the rest of the season.

“Right now,” he said. “We’re just rolling.”