USC football: Linebacker Quinton Powell could start in opener

USC linebacker Quinton Powell will be ready if called upon.

With Jabari Ruffin suffering a season-ending knee injury Sunday, Powell is poised to possibly earn a starting position.

“To start for SC? That’s a dream come true,” Powell, who came to USC from Deltona, Fla., said Monday. “I’m ready to take it on.”

Powell made 20 tackles in 14 games last season as a freshman.

Now he could be in the lineup when the Trojans play their opener against Fresno State on Aug. 30 at the Coliseum.

Scott Felix and J.R Tavai also can play the position and the Trojans could deploy safety Su’a Cravens closer to the line of scrimmage.

“We’ll find a way to get our best players on the field,” defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox said. “Time will tell.”