Yesterday, I read on ESPN.com that Trojan offensive guard Jeff Byers—although a senior already—will have not a fifth, but a sixth year of eligibility. This is great news for the USC offense. Byers has been a stalwart on the line all year, and is an examplary student as well as athlete. Coaches praise his work ethic; he was a walk on who earned his way to a starting position. Not only does he grind it out on the practice field, but he (to borrow a Ben Stiller quote) likes to break a mental sweat as well. With a 3.27 GPA and already having earned his B.A. in Business Administration, Byers is currently working towards his masters degree. He is also a candidate for the Lowe’s Senior Class award, which recognizes all-around excellence in Senior athletes.

This offseason, Byers plans to gain 15 points and reach 305. With his athleticism and experience, Byers will surely be a major anchor in next year’s line. He was one of two offensive starters expected to leave after the Rose Bowl (along with Patrick Turner). Now, the O-line returns all its starters, and the offense only loses one wide receiver. With a year of starting experience under Mark Sanchez’s belt, and an O-line with plenty of chemistry, who knows what next year’s Trojans can accomplish?