University Southern California Trojans
USC Defense Ready for 1998 Season
June 21, 1999 | Football
May 7, 1998
LOS ANGELES - Head Coach Paul Hackett is looking forward to seeing his defense in action this fall. "The defense is ahead of the offense," he said pointing to their collective "heart and intensity." Not to mention the talent and depth.
The Trojan defense features two dazzling All-Americans, Daylon McCutcheon and Chris Claiborne, and a well stocked corps of defensive backs and linebackers.
Defensive Backfield - McCutcheon is a rare blend of gifted individual ability and team player. He's the cornerback that opposing coaches and quarterbacks avoid.
That puts pressure on the other corner, Kenny Haslip. But Haslip is a former California High School sprint star, and he has matured into a dependable performer. Also, Haslip was a starter two seasons ago.
There is a full house at the safety position. Sophomore Antuan Simmons earned Freshman All-America honors and he may not start. Likewise, David Gibson was one of the most productive players on defense last season at outside linebacker. But, now converted to safety, he too may not start.
That's an indication of the talent of likely starters Rashard Cook and big-hitting Grant Pearsall, who returns to action after missing all of last season with a knee injury.
Darnell Lacy also started three games last fall and reserve Frank Carter made his mark on special teams.
Hackett has good reason to say, "this is a veteran group, with depth, experience and the ability to shine in man-to-man coveage."
Linebacker - Claiborne is one of the premier defensive players in the college game and sidekick Mark Cusano is a noted Notre Dame-killer. Together, they form perhaps the best 1-2 punch at linebacker in the Pac-10. But given all of their experience as three-year starters, the newest member of the unit grabbed all of the attention during spring drills. Darryl Knight seized the opportunity created when David Gibson was shifted from outside linebacker to safety. Knight is a threat as a pass rusher and punishing tackler. The 6-2 freshman frequently frustrated quarterbacks by batting down, deflecting and tipping passes.
Zeke Moreno might be the most talented back-up on the team or in the nation. Expect to see him and Mike Pollard excel on special teams.
Defensive Line - This was an area of extra attention in the spring. And as Coach Hackett admits, "we need to do a better job of recruiting lineman." There is talent, but little depth.
Enis Davis (6-4 and 295 pounds), Mark Matock, and Aaron Davis provide strength and experience. They are why Hackett says, "I feel very good about our tackles." Davis, a sophomore, earned praise from the coach for his effort and improvement in spring practice.
At end, Sultan Abdul-Malik recorded an impressive 7 sacks last fall as a freshman. Promising redshirt-freshman Kori Dickerson has that same type of potential. Coach Hackett beams about Dickerson's development, "he's got a great future, a good speed rusher. We'll probably see him on third downs." The concern is lack of depth and size. Abdul-Malik weighs 225 and Dickerson only 215 pounds.
Overall, the defense returns eight starters and five others with starting experience. These guys shackled high-powered offenses such as Florida State and Washington State. This could well be the strength of the team.
