USC freshmen preview: Linebacker John Houston will challenge for time

This month we will preview each USC freshman who will join the team in training camp.

Player: John Houston Jr.

Position: Outside linebacker

Number: 10

Height: 6 feet 3

Weight: 220 pounds

High school: Gardena Serra

Hometown: Carson

High school: Houston was selected an Under Armour All-American. He intercepted three passes, forced three fumbles and recovered a fumble in 2014.

USC position group breakdown: USC listed Houston as a strong outside linebacker behind Su’a Cravens and backup Quinton Powell on the spring depth chart.

Cravens, a third-year starter, played at safety his freshman season and moved to linebacker after five games last season. He is a key playmaker on the defense and is on several watch lists for postseason awards.

Powell was an important player on special teams last season but rarely played on defense.

Houston could challenge Powell to back up Cravens.

Season prediction for Houston: He will play on special teams and will back up Cravens.

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