Photo Courtesy: Latimes
USC Football’s defense requires a boost! The team only recently lost two promising defensive linemen, Isaiah Raikes and Derrick Harmon, who chose to play for other schools.
These potential losses create a gap in the Trojans’ defensive line. To fill it, USC will need some experienced players to step in and compete with top performers like Bear Alexander and Nate Clifton. Fortunately, the transfer portal provides a pool of talented players searching for new teams. Let’s take a look at some of the top defensive linemen that USC might be considering!
Here are some of the top defensive linemen still available via the transfer portal:
Top Transfer Targets for USC’s Defensive Line
CJ West – Kent State
CJ West contributes important expertise to the table, having spent three years with the Kent State Golden Flashes. This 6’2″, 315-pound defensive lineman finished his senior season with a strong performance, recording 40 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced turnover. West’s size and skill set make him an ideal nose tackle, while Bear Alexander and Nate Clifton excel at the 3-tech positions.
Jay’viar Suggs – Grand Valley State
Suggs is an excellent player from a small school who performed admirably during his first two years. He had 42 tackles, 14.5 for a loss, which means he stopped the opposing team behind the line of scrimmage, got to the quarterback eight times, and defended nine passes. He may need to gain weight to play a specific defensive position, but USC is very interested in him and has invited him to visit the campus.
Some fans may be concerned that Suggs and West attended small schools, but this should not be an issue. Look at the Los Angeles Rams! They drafted two outstanding players from small schools, who went on to become stars at a larger school (Florida State).
Suggs and West, like the Rams players, want to play for a top team so they can be noticed by professional teams and drafted higher. They aren’t just playing for money. And who better to help them get noticed than Eric Henderson, a well-known USC coach?
Brandon Lane – SF Austin
Brandon Lane, a defensive lineman with the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, completes our list. Lane, who stands 6’3″ and weighs 300 pounds, provides an excellent balance of size and production. He finished his final season with 45 tackles and 1.5 sacks, demonstrating his ability to disrupt plays. Lane could be a valuable addition to the Trojan defensive line.
Conclusion:
Regardless of attending smaller schools, Suggs and West have the talent and drive to succeed at USC. Their desire to compete at the highest level, as well as their focus on developing their professional careers, are perfectly aligned with the program’s objectives. With Eric Henderson’s coaching, they have the potential to become stars, similar to the LA Rams’ recent success stories.
Both Suggs and another top target, West, could be game-changers for the Trojans’ defense. USC, with its prestigious program and coaching legend Eric Henderson at the helm, provides the ideal platform for them to demonstrate their abilities and blossom into future stars. Their hunger, talent, and the elite environment at USC could lead to Trojan football dominance.
Out of these three portal prospects, who would you prefer?
