USC Athletics

The Trojans enjoyed a spirited practice as they continue to find their rhythm following the week off.

• USC defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast has simplified the defense, but many aspects remain the same, including the need for a "predator," and he's looking to replace Porter Gustin at that position. He said that Eli'jah Winston, Abdul-Malik McClain, Hunter Echols, Nick Figueroa and Connor Murphy are the leading candidates to take over.


• While Christian Rector played predator at times last season, Pendergast explained that he'll return to a true defensive end position. "Last year, Christian was having to flip from left to right, left to to right, left to right," Pendergast said. "Now we've got him really focused on on the left side, which allows him to have the same hand on the ground, see the left tackle all the time ... and lets him really focus on his footwork and his technique."


• Heading into his redshirt senior year, Rector is one of the most experienced members of the defense, but the spring has provided many opportunities for USC's youngsters. Early enrollee DE/LB Drake Jackson has earned plenty of reps and is impressing his coaches. "He's big, he's physical, he's cat-quick, he's very smart," Pendergast said. "He's a little bit like Leonard Williams ... they're very similar in stature. I think he's a little like Rasheem [Green] too."


• Freshman DB Briton Allen has also earned praise from his teammates and coaches. "I feel like he's a good DB," said rishing RS sophomore CB Greg Johnson. "Real feisty. He likes putting his head in there. He's in the meeting room asking the questions he needs to ask … He's going to be real good for the team."


• Johnson entered the NCAA Transfer Portal before spring ball started, but withdrew and returned to USC to provide a much-needed body to the depleted defensive backs group. As the only returning DB to have started a game last season, he's taking on a leadership role. "I'm just trying to get better with the young guys and just motivate them every day," he said. "I come out here looking forward to working with everybody so we can grow and build chemistry together."


• Johnson had season-ending shoulder surgery in November and won't be cleared for contact until June, but he said, "I'm getting rehab every day. Focusing on getting it stronger so that when it's time to go, I'll be ready."


• Rising RS sophomore safety Isaiah Pola-Mao is also progressing nicely from his second season-ending injury last year. "I've gotten stronger and mentally more stable," he explained. "I've been seeing plays faster and realizing things that I didn't see last year."


• Rising sophomore ILB Palaie Gaoteote IV also said he and the entire unit are learning to identify plays quicker and learning to "move as one body and just be all on the same page in everything we do."


• USC's next spring practice will take place at Howard Jones Field on Saturday, March 23, at 10 a.m. It is free and open to the public.