USC's Nico Falah steps up to solidify the center position

USC center Nico Falah took over at center for Toa Lobendahn for who tore his ACL early in the season. (Rick Scuteri, AP Photo)/ STAFF WRITER

LOS ANGELES – Before Nico Falah has unexpectedly emerged as USC’s starting center in his fourth season, but before he provided a steady presence for a rejuvenated offense, it seemed like less of a long shot.

“We’ve never coached a lineman that had Nico Falah’s athletic ability,” said Chad Johnson, the offensive coordinator at St. John Bosco of Bellflower, the high school that regularly ushers football players to Division I colleges.

Each spring and summer, Johnson, who doubles as the program’s strength and conditioning coach, led players through cardio…