USC's Defense Brings Smiles to the Coaching Staff

Why is Pete Carroll smiling?

Because the Trojans have just completed their third week of spring practice with a 99-play scrimmage and things don’t look at all bleak like they did back in early January.

Besides losing their starting quarterback Mark Sanchez to the NFL Draft, almost their entire defensive front seven will be playing on Sundays this coming season as well. In addition both their offensive and defensive coordinators left in tandem to try to rebuild the Washington Huskies’ football program.

But after three weeks of spring ball, this defense may not be more physical than last year’s but is certainly quicker. Defensive ends Everson Griffen, Wes Horton, Malik Jackson, and Nick Perry have had a dominant spring.

Griffen, for example, had five tackles today including 3.5 sacks. Malik Jackson intercepted a Mark Barkley misfire and took it 42-yards to the house. Defensive tackle Averell Spicer had 1.5 sacks and did a great job of stuffing up the middle along with Armond Arstead, who broke through the offense on one play and nailed Curtis McNeal for an eight-yard loss.

What is really a pleasant surprise is that the Trojans are at least two deep along the front line. So, Carroll can keep fresh defenders in the game with little drop off. This can be a huge factor in the fourth quarter when fatigue is catching up to opposing linemen.

The biggest concern back in January aside from quarterback was the linebacking corps. All four starters—Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing, Kaluka Maiava and Clay Matthews, Junior, the elephant—were all moving on. As devastating as that may be, the most experienced returning linebacker, Luther Brown, has been dealing with injuries.

But instead of rebuilding for the future, the Trojans have simply reloaded. Malcom Smith, Brian Galippo, Uona Kavienga and Jordan Campbell have all performed amazingly well.

In today’s scrimmage Smith and Galippo led all defenders with eight tackles and seven tackles respectively. Galippo also leaped high in the air to nearly pick off a Mitch Mustain pass.

When we are talking about replacing All-American, high draft pick starters, it may seem foolish to use the term "upgrade." Nevertheless, Smith and Galippo have really come along. They are quick and never out of position. They have also done excellent work covering the mid-range receivers.

The defensive backfield has been the Trojans strong point with Taylor Mays opting to return for the final year and Josh Pinkard receiving a rare sixth year of eligibility.

With two more seniors, Kevin Thomas and Will Harris joining them along with redshirt junior Shareece Wright, the Trojans figured to have the best dfensive backfield in college football. In fact Taylor Mays is already being touted as a possible Number One pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

However, with Shareece Wright nursing injuries and Will Harris sidelined for academic reasons, some younger guys have gotten an extended look this spring. And the future is looking bright.

Sophomore safety Ryan McMahon had six tackles today and a blocked punt that walk-on tight end, Eric Childs, returned for a touchdown. Another sophomore, T.J. Bryant, added five tackles.

No wonder Pete Carroll was beaming after the scrimmage and told his players: "We took a great step today. I really appreciate how we bring it every single day."

There are two more practices remaining this week and then the Trojan Huddle scheduled for 1 p.m. next Saturday in the Coliseum. Tickets are $10. Children 12 and under are admitted free.