USC Trojans Linebacker Desman Stephens II Breaking Out In True Freshman Season

USC Trojans true freshman linebacker Desman Stephens II was one of the breakout stars for the team in shutout over Utah State in week two.

Desman Stephens II in USC fall practice / Desman Stephens II / Instagram

When Mason Cobb was ruled out prior to USC‘s week one matchup vs. Utah State, the Trojans coach Lincoln Riley seemed confident about the depth in the linebackers room. 

"That next group of guys, Desman Stephens, Raesjon (Davis), (Elijah) Newby, and (Garrison) Madden, it would be a combination of all those guys,” said Riley in a media availability on Sept. 5. 

Stephens took full advantage of Cobb's absence and really stood out in the Trojans’ 48-0 shutout win despite being a true freshman. 

Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans running back Quinten Joyner (0) scores 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

He had two tackles and a forced fumble in the win over the Aggies. 

His numbers do not really tell the full story of how well Stephens played, though. He was flying all over the field, and he moved very well for his 6-foot-3, 233 pound frame. 

Stephens played a bit of everything in high school, including safety. He said that the versatility helped him in calling plays as the MIKE linebacker in defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn’s scheme. 

“I played safety in high school and other positions as well. So I’ve always had that role on my high school team,” he said.

Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans defensive end Devan Thompkins (98) sacks Utah State Aggies quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) during the third quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Coming into the 2024 season, Stephens was one of the most heralded freshman of the 2024 recruiting class.

As a recruit, Stephens was a consensus four-star linebacker. Riley and his defensive staff had to pry Stephens from deep in Big Ten territory during his recruitment. He was ranked the No. 9 player in Michigan by the 247Sports Composite.

Stephens at one point was a Boston College commit, but decommitted during his senior campaign. He announced his pledge to the Trojans at the end of his senior year. 

Throughout the preseason, Stephens was mentioned as a guy who could contribute early on in his career. He attributes his early success from having great mentors in his positional room.

“I have a lot of mentors around me. Easton, EG, Mason, there’s a lot of people in my room that helped me find my way.”

Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans running back A'Marion Peterson (22) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies during the fourth quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Stephens has a bit of a homecoming next week after the Trojans bye as they travel to Ann Arbor Michigan to take on the Wolverines their first ever Big Ten conference game. 

Stephens said that he’s letting his mom handle all the request for family tickets to watch him

Despite the homecoming, Stephens said he isn’t going to let that get to his head.

“I just let my mom handle all that stuff, I’m just focused on the game with my brothers.”

With Cobb, Gentry, and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold set to leave the Trojans after the season, Stephens is earning valuable playing time as a freshman that will translate to a starting role for his sophomore season. 

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