Walker Lyons was in the eighth grade when he felt a connection to the tight end position, inspired to plant his hand in the dirt after watching film of the San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle.

“He enjoyed it and loved it,” Lyons said, “and would put defenders in like the dirt and laugh. I try and have that a little bit, and so I always try and finish blocks. I actually do enjoy it. I do enjoy physically moving somebody. I think it’s fun.”

Tight end is a unique position, requiring the attributes and knowledge of almost all other offensive positions but hardly any of the glory.

A good one is hard to find, and building up that position group has been a years-long process for the USC football team. It’s created a seemingly unstoppable offense and, with a blue-chip recruit on the way, there’s

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