The USC Trojans defense balled out on Sunday Night against the LSU Tigers. I wrote about why this team is different here, but now we can start to unfold some of the how.
Obviously, it starts with the players. On our USC LAFB Live recap show right after the game, we discussed the play of Mason Cobb, Jaylin Smith, Eric Gentry, and others, but there is another defender that is getting high praise today and from one of the most respected NFL Draft Analysts in the business.
Mike Renner Praises USC Trojans Defender Anthony Lucas
CBS Sports NFL Draft Analyst, Mike Renner, brought to everyone’s attention the fantastic game that USC EDGE Anthony Lucas had.
While Lucas did not show up on the stat sheet for sacks, he definitely made his presence felt all over the field.
He was credited with 3 hurries, 1 stop, 1 tackle, and 2 assisted tackles, and was the 3rd highest-graded defender, and 2nd highest-graded run defender, per PFF.
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Aside from his speed and athleticism, what the video above also shows is immense discipline.
One of the USC Trojans’ biggest issues on defense last year was setting the edge and playing sound, fundamental football. Most of the time, staying within your role and setting up other players to make a play is just as important as actually making the play.
You can see multiple times Lucas is sound in his gap/edge assignment, which forces the runner to stay in between the tackles for a minimal gain. When runners can bounce outside, that is where real damage can be done.
Lucas was a highly touted transfer from Texas A&M last year. He did not live up to his potential last season, but if this game was any indication, he is just scratching the surface.