USC Defense

[SilverBritches]

I was under the impression that you had almost everyone back from your very talented defense last year. I knew that guys like Shropshire (Falcons draftee) and Gause left. I just never really thought about them leaving your defense. Today I got athlon's preseason magazine and it says USC has 4 starters returning on defense. Now I know you had some injuries on defense (corners maybe?) and I know about Ko Simpson. So tell me more about your defense since I have seen where most of you think it will be your strong point. I need to know these things for my predictions on the predictions thread. Thanks.

[OmahaBound]

I'll let someone else handle the details, but some of the names you need to know other than Ko:

Ricardo Hurley and Lance Laury (LB)
Mike West - LB/S runs sub-4.4 forty
Jonathan Joseph- DB runs 4.3 forty
Stanley Doughty - DL
Marques Hall- DL
De'Adrian Coley - DE
Fred Bennett - DB
Tremaine Tyler - DB

We have some other darn good players as well but those are definitely going to be some of the stars of the D. We're not going to be the biggest D in the SEC, but we're going to be really strong and fast. Apparently Lou didn't like the linemen doing squats (what sense does that make?) but Spurrier has had them focusing heavily on squats....much more push off the line with the beasts we have.

I'm sure Neo and some other Cocks fans have much more indepth analysis to share though.

[JerryBeeds]

Impact freshmen this year will be DE Dakota Walker and S/LB Gerrod Sinclair.

[OmahaBound]

Anyone know if Raysor is ready for lots of playing time this year? If he's ready that would be one hell of a backup for Doughty or Hall.

[scunyon]

Doughty is going to be a BEAST :cool:

[GTmorris1970]

Hurley and Laury are excellent LB's, Doughty is a BEAST on the DL, and Mike West is going to be a heck of a player as well. Defense looked REALLY tight in the spring.

[Neo]

So tell me more about your defense since I have seen where most of you think it will be your strong point. I need to know these things for my predictions on the predictions thread. Thanks.



For starters, I'll do a very in-depth analysis of the team and you can go from there. This is a copy of CollegeFootballNews.com's review with little factoids that I've added.

Jonathan Hannah, FR DE/DL/TE 6-4 255 Hope Mills (Southview) Named to the all-NC team for three years. Ranked as the #4 TE, #2 DE and the 99th best player in the country according to Rivals.com. He's expected to be able to handle the transition from HS to college almost immediately. A dominator as a DE with killer instincts that drive him to the ball.

Shea McKeen, FR, DL/TE 6-6 265 Princeton (The Hun School) N.J.
Named to the first team Cape Atlantic league ... Named first team All-Prep ... Rated one of the top 10 tight ends in the nation ... Rated one of the top 25 defensive ends in the nation ... First Team All-League as a junior after recording seven touchdowns ... Recorded eight sacks and scored three touchdowns as a senior ... Played for Coach Danny O'Day at The Hun School in Mays Landing, N.J.

Charles Silas, Sr., DE - 9 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack ... A huge backup end in his first year from the JUCO ranks, the 272-pound senior showed a few flashes that he could grow into a good all-around player. With all the turnover on the line, he's going to need to quickly become one of the team's steadiest pass rushers. Can be a great player if he applies himself.

Marque Hall, Soph., DT - 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss ... The 276-pound tackle has as much raw talent as anyone on the defense with speed, size and strength. He saw a little bit of time last season and is expected to be a rock in the middle for the next few years. He'll grow into a decent interior pass rusher.

Chris Tucker, Sr., NG - A virtual unknown, but the 278-pound senior has got a shot to do some real damage.

De'Adrian Coley, Sr., DE - 9 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 sacks ... A reserve end and special teamer, Coley will be used on the outside as a pass rushing end and, sometimes, as an outside linebacker. He's one of the best athletes on the line with the speed to become a top pass rusher.

Stanley Doughty, Soph., NG - 11 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss ... At 315 pounds, Doughty is a big body in the middle, but he's not just a run stopper with enough quickness to regularly get into the backfield. Spurrier raved about Doughty's performance this spring.

Brook Antonio, Sr., DT - An interesting all-around player, the 280-pound Antonio is an excellent track athlete throwing the hammer and discuss, and he has been tried out a bit on the offensive line. He's tremendously strong and will backup Marque Hall in the middle.

Brent Davis, Fr., DE - Even though Davis is only 205 pounds, he's going to be tried out early on the outside using his tremendous speed as a pass rusher. He'll likely end up at linebacker.


Mike West, Jr., LB - There's a ton of pressure on the JUCO transfer to instantly be one of the team's top tacklers. He was a JUCO Academic All-American playing linebacker after starring as a running back in high school. He's 206 pounds, but he's quick on the outside. Quick as in 4.3/40.

Ricardo Hurley, Sr., LB - 53 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack ... The returning starter to his inside spot, the Hurley is a tall, rangy defender who hits like a ton of bricks. He can get into the backfield if needed and is decent, but not out-of-this-world, in pass coverage. Ranked #1 LB in the nation and was the #17 best player in the nation according to Rivals.com. He simply has a knack for putting QB's in comas and TB's in "Lala" land. Just ask; Brent Schaeffer, Jared Lorenzen and a few other lucky players.

Lance Laury, Sr., LB - 12 tackles, 1 tackle for loss ... A knee problem and the emergence of other linebackers has kept Laury from regaining his freshman year form when he made 90 tackles and looked like an All-American in the making. When he's right, he has great range able to play inside or out and can be great in pass coverage when he has to.

Orus Lambert, Sr., LB - 22 tackles, 1 forced fumble ... While not listed on the two-deep depth chart coming out of spring ball, he should be a factor with his 240-pound size and good range. He's a good hitter and physical force on the inside.

Terrell Davis, Sr., LB - 9 tackles ... A torn pectoral muscle kept him out for most of last year, but he appears healthy and ready to be a speedy option on the outside. At 6-0 and 194 pounds, he can play safety if needed.

Ryan Brown, Soph., LB - 1 tackle ... Part defensive end, part linebacker, the 249-pound sophomore saw a little bit of time as a true freshman. Now he'll move around from inside linebacker behind Ricardo Hurley to a hybrid on the outside if needed.

Dustin Lindsay, Soph., LB - 4 tackes ... Dustin and his twin brother Jordin will see time on special teams and in the linebacking corps as reserves on the outside. Dustin is a tough tackler with decent range.

Marvin Sapp, Fr., LB - One of the team's top recruits and the cousin of Warren Sapp, the 210-pound true freshman will get every chance to win a starting job. He's only 210 pounds, but he projects to be a top playmaking linebacker on the outside.

Fred Bennett, Jr., CB - 32 tackles, 4 interceptions, 3 broken up passes ... Bennett is a big, underrated cover corner who started every game last year turning into a solid open field tackler and good pass defender despite having problems with his shoulder. Now he should grow into an All-SEC candidate as he gets noticed a bit more. Was second (2nd) in the SEC last year in interceptions.

Ko Simpson, Soph., FS - 61 tackles, 6 interceptions, 6 broken up passes, 3 fumble recoveries ... On everyone's All-Freshman team and named the SEC Freshman of the Year by the AP, the 6-1, 199-pound Simpson had a huge year finishing second on the team in tackles and led the way in interceptions and broken up passes. He's a big hitter who's all over the field all the time always finding a way to get around the ball.

Tremaine Tyler, Sr., SS - 31 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 broken up passes ... Tyler is a corner by trade, but he'll end up moving over to strong safety with Jonathan Joseph back at corner. He'll use his speed to bring more range to the position and is a decent tackler who's tough enough to handle the job against the run.

Johnathan Joseph, Soph., CB - 3 tackles, 1 broken up pass ... The starting corner job was his after a successful all-star JUCO season, but he broke his foot early on and was out for the year. Now he's back and should quickly become one of the team's top playmaking defenders with his speed and toughness. Was rated the top CB/JUCO by Scout.com and is currently the fastest defensive player on the team with a 4.36/40.

Chris Hampton, Soph., SS - 5 tackles ... A good special team performer as a true freshman, the 5-11, 182-pound safety will be a ball-hawking backup behind Tremaine Tyler.

Stanley Woodson, RFr., CB - Young but very talented, the speedy Woodson will see plenty of time behind Johnathan at one of the corner spots. He can tackle, but he's a pure corner.

[GTmorris1970]

For starters, I'll do a very in-depth analysis of the team and you can go from there. This is a copy of CollegeFootballNews.com's review with little factoids that I've added.

Jonathan Hannah, FR DE/DL/TE 6-4 255 Hope Mills (Southview) Named to the all-NC team for three years. Ranked as the #4 TE, #2 DE and the 99th best player in the country according to Rivals.com. He's expected to be able to handle the transition from HS to college almost immediately. A dominator as a DE with killer instincts that drive him to the ball.

Shea McKeen, FR, DL/TE 6-6 265 Princeton (The Hun School) N.J.
Named to the first team Cape Atlantic league ... Named first team All-Prep ... Rated one of the top 10 tight ends in the nation ... Rated one of the top 25 defensive ends in the nation ... First Team All-League as a junior after recording seven touchdowns ... Recorded eight sacks and scored three touchdowns as a senior ... Played for Coach Danny O'Day at The Hun School in Mays Landing, N.J.

Charles Silas, Sr., DE - 9 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack ... A huge backup end in his first year from the JUCO ranks, the 272-pound senior showed a few flashes that he could grow into a good all-around player. With all the turnover on the line, he's going to need to quickly become one of the team's steadiest pass rushers. Can be a great player if he applies himself.

Marque Hall, Soph., DT - 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss ... The 276-pound tackle has as much raw talent as anyone on the defense with speed, size and strength. He saw a little bit of time last season and is expected to be a rock in the middle for the next few years. He'll grow into a decent interior pass rusher.

Chris Tucker, Sr., NG - A virtual unknown, but the 278-pound senior has got a shot to do some real damage.

De'Adrian Coley, Sr., DE - 9 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 sacks ... A reserve end and special teamer, Coley will be used on the outside as a pass rushing end and, sometimes, as an outside linebacker. He's one of the best athletes on the line with the speed to become a top pass rusher.

Stanley Doughty, Soph., NG - 11 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss ... At 315 pounds, Doughty is a big body in the middle, but he's not just a run stopper with enough quickness to regularly get into the backfield. Spurrier raved about Doughty's performance this spring.

Brook Antonio, Sr., DT - An interesting all-around player, the 280-pound Antonio is an excellent track athlete throwing the hammer and discuss, and he has been tried out a bit on the offensive line. He's tremendously strong and will backup Marque Hall in the middle.

Brent Davis, Fr., DE - Even though Davis is only 205 pounds, he's going to be tried out early on the outside using his tremendous speed as a pass rusher. He'll likely end up at linebacker.


Mike West, Jr., LB - There's a ton of pressure on the JUCO transfer to instantly be one of the team's top tacklers. He was a JUCO Academic All-American playing linebacker after starring as a running back in high school. He's 206 pounds, but he's quick on the outside. Quick as in 4.3/40.

Ricardo Hurley, Sr., LB - 53 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack ... The returning starter to his inside spot, the Hurley is a tall, rangy defender who hits like a ton of bricks. He can get into the backfield if needed and is decent, but not out-of-this-world, in pass coverage. Ranked #1 LB in the nation and was the #17 best player in the nation according to Rivals.com. He simply has a knack for putting QB's in comas and TB's in "Lala" land. Just ask; Brent Schaeffer, Jared Lorenzen and a few other lucky players.

Lance Laury, Sr., LB - 12 tackles, 1 tackle for loss ... A knee problem and the emergence of other linebackers has kept Laury from regaining his freshman year form when he made 90 tackles and looked like an All-American in the making. When he's right, he has great range able to play inside or out and can be great in pass coverage when he has to.

Orus Lambert, Sr., LB - 22 tackles, 1 forced fumble ... While not listed on the two-deep depth chart coming out of spring ball, he should be a factor with his 240-pound size and good range. He's a good hitter and physical force on the inside.

Terrell Davis, Sr., LB - 9 tackles ... A torn pectoral muscle kept him out for most of last year, but he appears healthy and ready to be a speedy option on the outside. At 6-0 and 194 pounds, he can play safety if needed.

Ryan Brown, Soph., LB - 1 tackle ... Part defensive end, part linebacker, the 249-pound sophomore saw a little bit of time as a true freshman. Now he'll move around from inside linebacker behind Ricardo Hurley to a hybrid on the outside if needed.

Dustin Lindsay, Soph., LB - 4 tackes ... Dustin and his twin brother Jordin will see time on special teams and in the linebacking corps as reserves on the outside. Dustin is a tough tackler with decent range.

Marvin Sapp, Fr., LB - One of the team's top recruits and the cousin of Warren Sapp, the 210-pound true freshman will get every chance to win a starting job. He's only 210 pounds, but he projects to be a top playmaking linebacker on the outside.

Fred Bennett, Jr., CB - 32 tackles, 4 interceptions, 3 broken up passes ... Bennett is a big, underrated cover corner who started every game last year turning into a solid open field tackler and good pass defender despite having problems with his shoulder. Now he should grow into an All-SEC candidate as he gets noticed a bit more. Was second (2nd) in the SEC last year in interceptions.

Ko Simpson, Soph., FS - 61 tackles, 6 interceptions, 6 broken up passes, 3 fumble recoveries ... On everyone's All-Freshman team and named the SEC Freshman of the Year by the AP, the 6-1, 199-pound Simpson had a huge year finishing second on the team in tackles and led the way in interceptions and broken up passes. He's a big hitter who's all over the field all the time always finding a way to get around the ball.

Tremaine Tyler, Sr., SS - 31 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 broken up passes ... Tyler is a corner by trade, but he'll end up moving over to strong safety with Jonathan Joseph back at corner. He'll use his speed to bring more range to the position and is a decent tackler who's tough enough to handle the job against the run.

Johnathan Joseph, Soph., CB - 3 tackles, 1 broken up pass ... The starting corner job was his after a successful all-star JUCO season, but he broke his foot early on and was out for the year. Now he's back and should quickly become one of the team's top playmaking defenders with his speed and toughness. Was rated the top CB/JUCO by Scout.com and is currently the fastest defensive player on the team with a 4.36/40.

Chris Hampton, Soph., SS - 5 tackles ... A good special team performer as a true freshman, the 5-11, 182-pound safety will be a ball-hawking backup behind Tremaine Tyler.

Stanley Woodson, RFr., CB - Young but very talented, the speedy Woodson will see plenty of time behind Johnathan at one of the corner spots. He can tackle, but he's a pure corner.

As usual Neo, nice in-depth post. My prediction: I agree with what Spurrier has said all spring. This defense is going to give people some problems. He has indicated more than once that if this defense lives up to its potential, even if the offense starts a little slowly, USC should be in every game. He is predicting a lot of forced turnovers from this group. :cool:

[JerryBeeds]

I'm a legend!

[Neo]

He is predicting a lot of forced turnovers from this group. :cool:


Well, if you remember...

The first time Marquee Hall stepped onto the field during the Arkansas game. On his very first play, he caused a fumble that Ko ran back for a TD. :cool:

[OmahaBound]

For starters....


.... yeah, what he said.

[JerryBeeds]

Well, if you remember...

The first time Marquee Hall stepped onto the field during the Arkansas game. On his very first play, he caused a fumble that Ko ran back for a TD. :cool:
Hall could've gone anywhere out of high shcool, but he chose us because he's best friends with Albert Ashcraft.

[GTmorris1970]

Well, if you remember...

The first time Marquee Hall stepped onto the field during the Arkansas game. On his very first play, he caused a fumble that Ko ran back for a TD. :cool:

Yes, I do recall that. :cool:

[Neo]

Hall could've gone anywhere out of high shcool, but he chose us because he's best friends with Albert Ashcraft.


Yep...I got to see/meet both of them while they were in HS.

Albert Ashcraft went right up the street to Monroe High here in Monroe, NC. I actually sent a hand written letter to Coach Holtz recommending to him that he at least check Ashcraft out.

About three (3) miles up the road is where Hall went to school in Wingate, NC. I see his family from time to time and his mother is so proud of him and she always has something on that has the USC logo on it. :cool:

[GTmorris1970]

Yep...I got to see/meet both of them while they were in HS.

Albert Ashcraft went right up the street to Monroe High here in Monroe, NC. I actually sent a hand written letter to Coach Holtz recommending to him that he at least check Ashcraft out.

About three (3) miles up the road is where Hall went to school in Wingate, NC. I see his family from time to time and his mother is so proud of him and she always has something on that has the USC logo on it. :cool:

My wife and I both liked Ashcraft in the spring. He is tall and lanky, but has tremendous speed, especially off tackle and to the outside. :cool:

[Neo]

My wife and I both liked Ashcraft in the spring. He is tall and lanky, but has tremendous speed, especially off tackle and to the outside. :cool:



Back when I had time, I used to scout the players around here and personally grade them. Ashcraft may not be the biggest guy on the block, but he can run. He really reminds me of Eric Dickerson. :cool:

[GTmorris1970]

Back when I had time, I used to scout the players around here and personally grade them. Ashcraft may not be the biggest guy on the block, but he can run. He really reminds me of Eric Dickerson. :cool:

Yes, he really does. He had some problems catching the ball out of the backfield at times, but with some practice he will be ok there. Spurrier gave him quite a few reps. Must have seen something he liked, too. ;)