The nameplate on Isaiah Lykes' locker has barely stuck, but the latest big prospect on USC's defensive line is already looking for new territory.
Lakes and defensive back Tre'Quon Fegans were removed from USC's online roster this weekend with plans to enter when the transfer portal opens on Monday. Discussions surrounding the spring transfer window dragged on over the final two weeks of USC's spring practice, as players flirted with, retreated from, and entered the portal, but coach Lincoln Riley said Troy Nokiba emphasized, “If we lose some players, we will lose.'' please Exchange. ”
USC also lost freshman offensive lineman Jason Zandamera to the portal this week, but Lykes' departure leaves a more immediate hole at 6-foot-2, 320 pounds inside the defensive line. Texas A&M's nose tackle was expected to anchor the front line alongside Bear Alexander.
Riley said the Trojans could be on the move again as former Vanderbilt captain Nate Clifton has emerged as a consistent force. The 6-4, 289-pound defensive lineman started 12 games last season and recorded 30 tackles for loss (7 1/2) and sacks (5 1/2) for the Commodores.
“Once we got a chance to explain our situation to him and him to us, it was an immediate fit. It was a no-brainer and a really good feeling on both sides,” Riley said. . “He was a great presence in our locker room and a really great presence on the field.”
Behind Clifton, sophomore Elijah Hughes continues to put together promising freshman numbers, recording six tackles in seven games, while defensive end Devan Tompkins works out both on the edge and inside. ing. Freshman Jide Abashiri, a 6-5, 291-pound former four-star prospect, has impressed the coaches.
But losing a key piece of the Interior defensive line will force the Trojans to look for another player as Riley is hesitant about depth at the position.
Transfers have become commonplace in college football, and Riley said coaching staffs need to evaluate their priorities while combing through the portal. If the goal is simply to “win the recruiting war,” hiring too many top-ranked players just to land a headliner can quickly backfire. Especially when transfers are forced to make quick decisions about their future compared to the process for high school recruits. It can stretch over many years.
“I try to get to know them as quickly as possible, but it happens so quickly that sometimes you learn a little bit as you go,” Riley said of a potential transfer. “We got a lot more things right than we did wrong with Portal. But there were some things we wouldn't have done if we had the chance to go back and do it all over again. “error. But it's clear that that's part of the reason why our climbing and our goal is to become less and less dependent. [the portal]”
Fegans, who transferred from the University of Alabama before last season, recorded nine tackles in limited playing time. He was on the roster competing for a spot in the secondary — the Trojans must replace starters at four of five defensive back positions — but was once again buried in a crowded room. was in danger of being lost.
In addition to returner Jacob Covington, freshman cornerback Marcells Williams has emerged as a spring training star, Riley said. Marcells, the younger brother of former University of Southern California safety Max Williams, has been “unusually consistent” for a freshman, including an interception during this week's team period and being re-committed during Saturday's scrimmage. He has also shown some explosive play.
“He’s a confident kid and participates well in the program,” Riley said. “I think that's allowed him to go into the game not rolling his eyes too much and just being ready to play. And obviously with his family's history, he probably doesn't really have anything to do at this level. I think you understand what is needed.”
Cornerback John Humphrey, who was establishing himself as a potential impact player, will miss the remainder of the spring due to a recent medical procedure, Riley said. The UCLA transfer from Pasadena, who followed coordinator Danton Lin across town, is not expected to be completed in time for this fall.
