Expectations are high for the USC football defense in 2018 and the beginning of “watch list season” has only reinforced those expectations.
On Monday, three Trojan defenders were named as preseason candidates for the Chuck Bendarik Award, which is given to the Defensive Player of the Year: outside linebacker Porter Gustin, inside linebacker Cameron Smith and safety Marvell Tell.
That matches Alabama, Clemson and Michigan in a tie for the most Bednarik watch listers going into 2018.
Gustin was an All-Pac-12 honorable mention in 2016, his last full season on the field for the Trojans, leading the team with 13 tackles for loss.