USC Trojans Defensive X-Factor? Safety Kamari Ramsey 'Taking Charge'

USC Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey has stepped up for the Trojans early this season. In addition to his on the field play, Ramsey has stepped up as a leader for USC defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn's defense in other areas as well.

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Aaron Anderson (1) is tackled by Southern California Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey (7) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

After transferring from UCLA and reuniting with defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn, USC Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey has been one of the biggest difference makers in the new look USC defense.

In his second year in Lynn's system, following him from Westwood to South Los Angeles, Ramsey has been doing it all for the Trojans. Whether it's making an open field tackle, or coming down into the box and getting a sack, Ramsey has been the missing chess piece USC's defense has needed.

Ramsey has registered 12 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble for the Trojans so far in 2024. He didn't even finish the game in the Trojans 48-0 win over Utah State as USC rotated the defense in the second half.

In a media availability session on Wednesday, Sept. 18, Lynn said his redshirt sophomore safety has taken leaps and bounds in his on-field communication skills compared to his freshman year.

"(He's) Just been more vocal on the field. He's very very smart and with him being in the situation where he was the only one who knew the defense, it kinda forced him to talk a lot more," Lynn said. "Now that we're in camp, you see it paying off that he's taking charge and he has been more vocal than he has been in the past."

Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans running back Quinten Joyner (0) celebrates with offensive lineman Mason Murphy (76) after scoring a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies during the third quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Ramsey really broke out last year during Lynn's only season as the defensive coordinator at UCLA. He has 40 tackles as he helped UCLA with a defensive turnaround that led to Lynn taking the job at USC.

It hasn't been easy for Ramsey and the Trojan defense, however. Ramsey said it has taken a lot of growth from the team to get to this point.

"It's been a long road, I would say," Ramsey said. "Especially from the spring to now, a lot of growth. Especially with a lot of chemistry being joined together. It's been a long way, we've come a long way. Communication has gotten a lot better and I would say we for sure came together as a unit."

Oct 7, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Kyle Williams (2) runs the ball against UCLA Bruins defensive back Kamari Ramsey (27) during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Even USC cornerback Greedy Vance Jr., a Florida State transfer who joined the Men of Troy over the offseason, says this team has been different from the other teams he has been on during his career.

"The energy, everyday is very contagious, very positive," Vance said.

The Trojans are going to have a tough matchup on the road against the defending national champions, No. 18 Michigan, but Lynn says he isn't too worried with how well USC has been preparing.

"We have a big challenge, we know what to expect, we're prepared for it," Lynn said. "We just need to make sure we are playing our best ball."

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