Nov. 27, 2007

Defensive end Everson Griffen has been named to the 2007 Rivals.com Freshman All-American first team, while center Kristofer O'Dowd and tailback Joe McKnight made the second team.

Griffen has started twice in 2007 and recorded 20 tackles, including 5.5 sacks, plus 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. His 3.5 sacks against Oregon State were the most by a Trojan since 1989. When he started the Idaho opener, he became the first USC true freshman to start an opener on the defensive line since Tim Ryan in 1986 against Illinois and the first true freshman to start on the defensive line since Shaun Cody did so in 2001 against Utah.

O'Dowd started 3 early season games, including the Idaho opener. He was the first USC true freshman to start at center as well as only the third Trojan true freshman to start a post-World War II opener on the offensive line (joining Brad Budde in 1976 against Missouri and Travis Claridge in 1996 against Penn State) and the first USC true freshman to start on the offensive line since Byers did so in 2004 against UCLA.

McKnight, who was selected as a punt returner, has run for 326 yards on 71 carries (4.6 average) with 1 TD and caught 17 passes for 158 yards (9.3 average) with 1 score. He also leads USC in punt returns with 14 for 124 yards (8.9 average).