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Veteran offensive lineman Jonah Monheim anchors the USC Trojans' front five, and he is beginning to receive significant praise and recognition. Pro Football Focus recently rated Monheim one of the top ten offensive tackles returning to play at the collegiate level in 2024. Trojans OL coach Josh Henson describes Monheim as "extremely intelligent," and coach Lincoln Riley concurs, characterizing him as a "tremendous" asset to the team. Furthermore, 247 Sports forecasts Monheim will be a Day One or Day Two selection in the 2025 NFL Draft based on impressive performance, including his stout quarterback protection—allowing only two sacks in his last two seasons.
Jonah Monheim's Bio and Stats
Monheim attended Moonpark High School in Southern California. He was a three-year starter there and a PrepStar All-American. As a four-star recruit, he received offers from Oklahoma, Alabama and other blue-chip programs.
Monheim is a redshirt senior. He is 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds. He demonstrated great versatility in his first four seasons at USC, starting 34 games at multiple positions along the line—18 at right tackle, 12 at left tackle and 4 at right guard.
Monheim is a well-regarded leader of the Trojans. The team voted him one of its five captains in 2023, and he is retaining that role in the 2024 season.
Moving to Center in 2024
Continuing to demonstrate his versatility, Monheim is moving to the center position this season. His performance at the new position was promising in spring practice. Coach Riley praised Monheim's quick transition to the new position:
"Jonah has taken to center honestly a little faster than I thought he would."
For his part, Monheim is enjoying the challenge of moving to the center position. As he recently commented, the center operates as the quarterback of the offensive line. He is focusing on moving more quickly and tightening up his techniques. He believes in his coaching staff and agrees with the assessment that his move to center is in the best interest of the offensive line as a whole.
Monheim's adaptation to the new position is critical for the Trojans. OL coach Henson describes Monheim's success at transitioning to center as a lynchpin for the entire offensive line to flourish.
Following in the Footsteps of Legends
In the storied history of USC Trojans football, exemplified by 11 national titles, stellar offensive line play has been a hallmark. USC has produced Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive linemen Anthony Muñoz, Bruce Matthews and Tony Boselli. Thus, much is expected of Southern Cal's men in the trenches.
Heading into the 2024 season, Monheim looks to live up to the lofty standards established by the legendary USC offensive linemen who preceded him.
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