Anthony Lucas doesn’t eliminate USC’s talent deficit on defense, but certainly reduces it a lot
The Trojans of USC were able capitalize the instability and misery within the Texas A&M football program By pouncing on an Aggie Transfer
Anthony Lucas is the Trojans’ defensive playmaker and high-end rusher. USC will have a lower defense if Lucas lives up to his five-star rating. The Trojans won’t be shoved around quite as much. They will be able to rush passers better, which is important in a 2023 Pac-12 that includes Jayden de Laura and Michael Penix.
This portal acquisition has many important aspects. The biggest aspect of this portal pickup might be that Alex Grinch didn’t give Anthony Lucas second thoughts. If there were mounting worries that Grinch’s presence at USC would scare off elite defensive transfers, this portal acquisition immediately shoots down that notion or — at the very least — reduces its severity.
This kind of pickup was needed by Alex Grinch and Lincoln Riley in the most dire circumstances.
USC isn’t fully set on the defensive line. To feel satisfied with its position at this position group, USC needs to have two or three more top-end defensive linemen. Developing Korey Foreman and making use of his potential — something which hasn’t happened the past two seasons — is another huge piece of the puzzle for USC.
A secondary focus is more important than the primary when you have an elite defensive lineman. USC’s linebacker room is in very good shape, with Mason Cobb and Tackett Curtis joining the returning starters (Shane Lee, Eric Gentry). The defensive line has seen a significant boost. The Trojans need to gain ground in the secondary.
The pursuit of better talent continues … but it took a big step forward with Anthony Lucas.
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Alex Grinch retained by Lincoln Riley: a reasonable, fair move which could become a total disaster
