USC football's biggest struggles on defense stem from its secondary. The explosive plays given up this season all come from the secondary's poor play. The Trojans will need their veterans to step up, along with the further ascent of some of their young guys.
Here is my midseason report card for the Trojans' secondary after the first seven weeks of college football:
Christian Pierce - A
Pierce is the consistent leader of the Trojans' secondary. He has 39 tackles and 1 interception for the season so far. Although the secondary has struggled a lot at times, Pierce has been that bright spot and the player who has stepped up. In the big games, you can rely on him to make big plays. This unit will continue to follow his lead, and if he keeps playing well, that will go a long way.
Kennedy Urlacher - A-
Kennedy Urlacher, in the games the Trojans have won, has had a huge impact. Urlacher has 3 sacks this season, proving he is amazing in blitz situations. He has 21 tackles and 1 forced fumble to add to his great production to start the season. Urlacher is a weapon for the Trojans' defense. I am excited to see him take off further the rest of the season.
Alex Graham - B
Alex Graham has not been as consistent as Urlacher, but he is finding his rhythm as of late. He can make contributions beyond just his coverage skills. Like Urlacher, he has also proven he is reliable in blitz situations. He and Urlacher have both helped elevate the Trojans' pass rush. He has 15 total tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, and 2 sacks so far. He is an underrated X-factor for the Trojans' defense, getting better as the year goes on.
Jontez Williams - C+
He has had some good moments in coverage. However, the Trojans haven't gotten that elite corner from Iowa State, which had 4 interceptions. That is the player this Trojans defense needs desperately. If they can get one more guy to step up alongside Christian Pierce, the Trojans' defense would be just fine. He has not been the biggest reason for the Trojans' struggles in the back end, but it is time for him to be the main reason USC's secondary turns the corner in the second half of the season.
Prophet Brown - B+
He has been the Trojan who has generated the most turnovers in the secondary. The veteran corner has 2 interceptions, one of which was a 99-yard return for a touchdown. He changed the momentum of the Rutgers game with his big play. The Trojans will need a lot more of that in their upcoming stretch of games. So far, Brown has been a nice player in the rotation this season.
Chasen Johnson - C
Chasen Johnson is a young corner who has been getting a fair opportunity. However, he has been learning a lot this season. It has been more ups than downs for him in coverage. In a few games, opposing offenses have attacked him. His struggles this season will make him better in the future, but his play will improve if the veterans set the tone first.
Elbert Hill IV - B
Elbert Hill is another young guy who has gained experience in the big games and had a great chance to learn in his freshman season. In the first few games, he flashed; against Oregon, he got challenged. He will not make this secondary elite this season, but in the next few years he will be a nice building block.
RJ Sermons - B+
RJ Sermons has been the most impressive young player from this unit this season. He has shone on special teams, and when his number gets called, he goes out there and makes plays. He makes his money on special teams, and it seems like he stands out every week in that regard. RJ Sermons is a player USC should feel confident is heading in the right direction.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Midseason report card grades for USC football secondary