USC Football: Junior Safety Confidence Soars Heading into 2023 Season

The upperclassman safety is confident he and the Trojans will have a better 2023 season

The USC Trojans' defense was their only serious problem in 2022. They were ranked among the bottom in many defensive categories, which hurt them significantly in their final two games of the season, which happened to be losses. 

The defense was not pretty, but the coaching staff did their best by adding transfer players who are sure to improve that side of the ball. The transfers will do their job; however, the returners to the program hope for a better season. 

One of the returners to the program is junior safety Jaylin Smith. Smith is going into the 2023 season with much optimism and predicts a better season for himself and his defense. 

“I think from last season, it was more-so our [defensive backs] corps was learning how our coaches operate,” Smith said. “This year, we’re more comfortable with our coaches, and we know what we want to emphasize. We know what we want to do."

(via Trojans Wire)

Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch will be essential to how this USC defense will look in 2023. 2022 was not a pretty sight, and this year will be as good as any to redeem himself. Grinch needs to do better, and the players must execute it. 

Smith gave his take on what type of role he'll play and is confident he can contribute at a high level. 

“I feel like I can do more than just play nickel. I can play corner, safety — free safety. I think the coaches want to see what I can do, and I think that’s ultimately the challenge that I’m ready for.”

(via Trojans Wire)

We're looking forward to Jaylin's and the overall defense improvement.