USC freshmen preview: Tyler Petite could fill need at tight end

Player: Tyler Petite

Position: Tight end

Number: 82

Height: 6 feet 6

Weight: 235 pounds

High school: Moraga Campolindo

Hometown: Lafayette, Calif.

High school: Petite caught 68 passes, 20 for touchdowns, during three varsity seasons. He helped Campolindo win the CIF state Division III title in 2014, catching seven passes for 102 yards in the championship game against Lakeside El Capitan. He switched a commitment from Duke to USC last December.

USC tight end breakdown: With sophomore Bryce Dixon out of school because of an unspecified student-conduct issue, junior Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick could play a major role if he is academically eligible. Walk-on Connor Spears got a lot of work during spring practice. Taylor McNamara, who played three seasons at Oklahoma, announced in March that he would transfer to USC. Linebackers Osa Masina and Porter Gustin also are listed as tight ends.

Season prediction for Petite: Will get opportunity to play immediately.