He was also invited to play in the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl alongside fellow USC recruits Marc Tyler, Chris Galippo, and Everson Griffen.

[1] The 6-foot-5, 300-pound O'Dowd is the first true freshman in USC history to start a game at center for the Trojans.

According to USC officials, the last true freshman to start an opener on the offensive line was guard Travis Claridge against Penn State in 1996.

Guard Brad Budde was the only other true freshman offensive lineman to start a post-World War II opener.

He suffered a kneecap injury before the 2009 season, and had to sit out the opener against San Jose State; his spot was filled in by veteran tackle Jeff Byers.