USC Football: Is 2021 the year the Trojans play up to their talent level?

USC returns lots of talent up front on improved defense

USC has struggled on defense in recent years, but under new coordinator Todd Orlando, the Trojans did show improvement and they hope that improvement can continue into 2021.

The defensive line is one of USC’s more talented groups that the Trojans have had under Clay Helton.

Defensive end Drake Jackson is one of the most talented ends in the country and looks like a potential first-round pick. On the other end, Nick Figueroa is solid and looks to be improved this season and all Trojan fans will have their eyes on five-star recruit Korey Foreman to make an impact this season. On the interior, Jay Toia and Tuli Tuipulotu will be the starters. Jamar Sekona is a guy to look for as well.

At linebacker, USC is bringing back two experienced and talented starters. Ralen Goforth and Kana’i Mauga were two of the better players for the defense and I think they could be even better this season.

The secondary is going to be without some of their talented players from last season, in Talanoa Hufanga and Olaijah Griffin, and replacing them won’t be easy. USC still has a lot of talent in cornerback Chris Steele and Greg Johnson and Isaiah Pola-Mao is the leader at safety. New starters will include safety Chase Williams and corner Isaac Taylor-Stuart.