USC Football: Eric Henderson Comments on What Makes Trojans Program So Special

The first year co-defensive cooridnator loves the culture the program is building.

Jun 7, 2022; Thousand Oaks, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive line coach Eric Henderson / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The USC Trojans are looking for a revenge-type season in 2024. The 2023 season was far from ideal, as they fell short of their College Football playoff expectations. Instead, they finished with an 8-5 record, losing five of their last six games, and ended the seasons as the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl champions.

The first and most crucial step in returning to glory is on the defensive end. While the Trojans hired defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn from their rivals, the UCLA Bruins, they knew it wasn't enough there.

They added to their defensive coaching group by adding Super Bowl-winning defensive lineman coach Eric Henderson. Henderson helped take the Los Angeles Rams to new heights alongside superstar and future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald. Henderson did great work in the NFL and will look for more of the same at USC.

The Trojans have a lot of work to do to reclaim their supremacy in college football, but Henderson believes they aren't too far off. In a recent interview with the media, including Scott Schrader of WeAreSC, Henderson says the people at USC are responsible for this turnaround.

Coach Henny on What’s Resonating with Recruits at #USC❔✌🏼

🎥 https://t.co/s7MaGSMJYa via @On3USC #FightOn pic.twitter.com/js3TTyEcZC

— Scott Schrader (@SSchraderOn3) March 29, 2024

Henderson is a big reason why these top defensive recruits chose to come to Southern California last weekend. He helped lead the Rams to number right in run defense with a 70.2 grade via PFF in 2023. Henderson played a crucial role in leading the Rams to an excellent pass rush, especially in a season where many thought they would fight for the top pick in the NFL.

The 41-year-old coordinator has been leading the charge on the recruiting front, building a new identity for the Trojans and doing his best to get the program back to where it belongs. All eyes will be on Henderson, Lincoln Riley, Lynn and the others to restore this once glorious college football program. Things are looking up at USC as they approach a new era in 2024.