USC linebacker Lamar Dawson will play for first time since 2013

USC linebacker Lamar Dawson is on track to play for the first time since 2013 when the sixth-ranked Trojans play Stanford in a Pac-12 opener on Saturday at the Coliseum.

Dawson, a fifth-year senior from Kentucky, made 20 career starts before suffering a knee injury two years ago while the Trojans were preparing for a mid-season game against Utah.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Dawson was sidelined in 2014 while recovering from surgery.

He was not available for this season’s opener against Arkansas State or last week’s victory over Idaho because of a rib fracture.

Dawson has been cleared to play against Stanford and could share playing time with freshman Cameron Smith.

“He hasn’t played for a little while but Lamar’s a heady player,” Coach Steve Sarkisian said, adding, “He’s a savvy player, he’s got a good feel, he’s kind of slippery getting off blocks, making plays, so I think he and Cam will be a nice complement to one another.”