USC returns two veterans at inside backer in John Houston and Cam Smith. Houston progressively played better throughout last year. Look for the junior to get even better this coming season. Cameron Smith was a tackling machine last season, recording 112 over the season. With captain safety Chris Hawkins leaving for the NFL, expect Houston and Smith to play a greater role in aligning the Trojan defense. Cam Smith was specifically mentioned by defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast for his leadership in practice.
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The outside linebacker position will be judged primarily for how they replace Uchenna Nwosu’s edge presence, as a run stopper and a pass-rusher.