USC’s Toa Lobendahn inspired by Marcus Mariota winning Heisman Trophy
USC offensive lineman Toa Lobendahn discusses his freshman All-American selection.
An offensive lineman has never won the Heisman Trophy.
Toa Lobendahn is a long shot to become the first, but the USC freshman said it was inspirational to watch Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, a fellow Polynesian, win.
“He’s a great leader for the Poly community,” Lobendahn said. “It just brings us together in some way to see him go out there and do it for all of us.”
Lobendahn, named to ESPN.com’s Freshman All-American team, also is making the Polynesian community proud.
“It was a tremendous honor to be put in that list,” said Lobendahn, adding that his mind set to play “right away” contributed to his success.
Lobendahn began the season as a starting guard. He moved to left tackle when Chad Wheeler suffered a season-ending knee injury against Utah.
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