USC football: Young linebackers could be called upon

With starting linebacker Lamar Dawson out for the season because of a knee injury, USC could call upon freshmen Quinton Powell and Michael Hutchings on Saturday against Utah.

Sophomore Anthony Sarao will start at linebacker opposite Hayes Pullard, but the freshmen are expected to rotate in.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Powell came to USC from Mainland High in Daytona Beach, Fla., the same school that produced Trojans defensive lineman Leonard Williams. He has made seven tackles, including two for losses.

“He’s one of the better athletes on the team,” interim Coach Ed Orgeron said of Powell.

Hutchings, 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, has also impressed since arriving last summer from Concord De La Salle High. He has made eight tackles.

“Michael’s ahead of the curve because of being a great linebacker from De La Salle,” Orgeron said. “He’s very smart and he knows the defense well.”

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