Devon Kennard to start at middle linebacker in USC’s opener

The transition is complete.

Devon Kennard started one game at defensive end and four at outside linebacker as a USC freshman last season.

On Friday, Kennard officially was anointed as the starting middle linebacker when Coach Lane Kiffin released the depth chart for the Trojans’ opener at Hawaii on Thursday.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Kennard displaces junior Chris Galippo, who started every game last season. Galippo, however, is expected to play multiple snaps in a linebacker corps that also includes senior outside linebackers Malcolm Smith and Michael Morgan.

Kennard and Galippo had alternated with the first-unit defense throughout training camp, but Kennard this week began working almost exclusively at the spot.

“I’m just going with the flow, trying to get ready for [the opener],” Kennard said Thursday after the Trojans’ mock game at the Coliseum. “It’s game time now.”

Tailback Marc Tyler, a fourth-year junior who has been slowed by injuries at USC, will start for the first time.

Receiver Robert Woods and cornerback Nickell Robey are listed as starters and could become the first freshmen to start an opener for USC at those positions in the post- World War II era, according to the USC sports information department.

The offensive line is in flux. Butch Lewis and Khaled Holmes are listed as the starting guards, but both are nursing injuries.

Hawaii perspective

Kiffin repeatedly has lamented USC’s depleted roster, but Hawaii Coach Greg McMackin did not sound as if he felt sorry for the Trojans, ranked 14th in the Associated Press poll.

“USC is a very talented team,” McMackin said. “We don’t really care how many guys they have. The guys we’ve seen on video are talented and good players.”

McMackin does not expect the tumult of USC’s off-season to affect the Trojans on Thursday.

“These distractions have really brought them together,” he said. “We’re expecting their best shot.”

Quick hits

After a day off from practice, the Trojans resume workouts Saturday. They also will practice Sunday and Monday and have a short workout Tuesday before departing for Hawaii…. Freshman quarterback Jesse Scroggins is expected to return to practice Saturday. Scroggins could not practice last week while awaiting clearance from the NCAA Eligibility Center.

gary.klein@latimes.com