Former star Kenechi Udeze named USC's defensive line coach

LOS ANGELES (AP) Former Southern California lineman Kenechi Udeze has been named the Trojans' defensive line coach. USC coach Clay Helton announced the

LOS ANGELES (AP) Former Southern California lineman Kenechi Udeze has been named the Trojans' defensive line coach.

USC coach Clay Helton announced the promotion Tuesday for Udeze, an assistant strength and conditioning coach at his alma mater last season.

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Udeze was an All-American at USC in 2003 and a three-year starter at the beginning of the Trojans' remarkable run under coach Pete Carroll. The Los Angeles native finished his career with a school-record 28 sacks, 51 tackles for loss and 14 forced fumbles.

He was a first-round draft pick by Minnesota in 2004. Udeze started 47 games over four seasons with the Vikings before he was diagnosed with leukemia in 2008, effectively ending his NFL career.