A decision influenced for the most part by his mother’s battle with breast cancer and his family’s financial situation, Fred Matua will forgo his senior season at USC and enter the NFL draft.

If Winston Justice heads to the NFL that will be the third starter to leave the USC offensive line, which was thought to largely remain intact for 2006.

While the chemistry of the O-line can never be overlooked, the transition should be eased by the return of Jeff Byers, who was slated to be a starter this season but was maligned with a hip injury.

Incidentally, it’s Matua’s 22nd birthday. Happy birthday dude!

Losses Piling Up for USC [LA Times]