USC season preview: Defensive line

Defensive tackle

Starter: Fifth-year senior Delvon Simmons

Backups: Third-year sophomore Kenny Bigelow, Jr., fourth-year junior Jordan Simmons or freshman Noah Jefferson and freshman Kevin Scott

Nose tackle

Starter: Fifth-year senior Antwaun Woods

Backups: Fifth-year senior Cody Temple and freshman Jacob Daniel

Defensive end

Starter: Fifth-year senior Greg Townsend, Jr.

Backups: Fifth-year senior Claude Pelon, freshman Rasheem Green or redshirt freshman Malik Dorton and freshman Christian Rector or fourth-year junior Jeff Miller

Who is gone: Leonard Williams

Who is new: Freshmen Noah Jefferson, Kevin Scott, Jacob Daniel, Christian Rector and Rasheem Green

Outlook: USC must replace the production of Williams, whom the New York Jets selected with the sixth pick in the 2015 NFL draft and coaches have said it will take a team effort.

Woods, 6 feet 1 and 320 pounds, was named a captain and will start for a third season. He was sidelined during spring practice after he underwent surgery to repair a torn muscle in his chest and he also was slowed during training camp because of injury. Woods made one sack last season.

Simmons, 6 feet 5 and 295 pounds, will start for a second season. He has maintained a consistent presence at tackle. Last season he made 2 1/2 tackles for losses, including a sack.

Townsend, 6 feet 3 and 275 pounds, has persevered through several injuries that have slowed or sidelined him the last three seasons. He made three tackles for losses, including two sacks, in nine games last season.

Pelon, 6 feet 4 and 300 pounds, moved from tackle to end during spring practice. He will be sidelined to start the season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery last month.

Temple, 6 feet 2 and 300 pounds, will provide a veteran presence to backup Woods.

USC added five large freshmen in training camp. Jefferson, Daniel, Green and Rector will compete for a spot in the rotations.

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