USC offensive lineman Chris Brown ready for first start

USC sophomore Chris Brown is on track to start against Oregon at right guard in place of Viane Talamaivao, who suffered a knee injury against Colorado.

Brown played in the Trojans’ 27-24 victory at Boulder, Colo., and said Tuesday that he was ready for an expanded role this week.

Brown acknowledged that it was tough at times to watch as other members of his recruiting class played soon after their arrival.

Toa Lobendahn, Damien Mama and Talamaivao all started as freshmen.

But Brown continued to work so he would be ready for his opportunity.

“All the coaches kind of assure us that it happens, people get injured,” he said. “I knew to always be prepared for that.”

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