USC Football News: Trojans Returning Safety Lands in Top Spot For Highest-Graded in Position

The USC secondary will be a force in 2023

The USC Trojans had their best season in 2022 for a long time. The offense was among the best in the country, ranking in the top 10 in most major categories. However, the defense wasn't quite the best, ranking among the bottom in many major categories. 

USC realized that and did its due diligence to improve it by getting recruits and transfers to fill the holes. The defense was abysmal, but it didn't mean the Trojans didn't have talent at any of their positions. 

Trojans safety Calen Bullock was among the bright stars in 2022, and because of that, he earned the highest grade among safeties in the Pac-12 going into the 2023 season. 

Highest graded returning Pac-12 Safeties🔥 pic.twitter.com/qgwGz82UCp

— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 2, 2023

An 82.5 grade for the incoming junior is excellent, considering the talent level at that position in the Pac-12. 

The Pasadena native was a three-star recruit out of the 2021 class, and he's improved year after year. In his sophomore year, he played in 13 games and recorded 41 tackles, 12 assists, and six stops. On top of that, he recorded five interceptions, four pass breakups, and a QB rating of 89.4 when he was targetted. 

Those are impressive stats, but there is always room for improvement, and Bullock will do just that in 2023. Overall the defense will be vital for the Trojans' success, and Bullock will play a big part in it. 

He's an intimidating presence, as QBs know not to target him like that anymore, and if they do, the results won't be pretty.