All Trojans

USC Trojans Standout Linebacker Eric Gentry Among Best Defenders In College Football

After three stellar performances to begin the 2024 season, USC Trojans linebacker Eric Gentry ranks among the best defensive players in all of college football thus far. All-22 cutups are included.

Kyron Samuels

Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans linebacker Eric Gentry (18) enters the field before the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans linebacker Eric Gentry (18) enters the field before the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Eric Gentry, an outside linebacker for the USC Trojans, is a unique player. The 6’6 215 pound senior from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania transferred from Arizona State after the 2021 season and has been a key member of the Trojans defense since. After being a standout on two abysmal defenses, Gentry is now leading the way on a revamped Trojan defense. 

Despite the Trojans' loss, Gentry had arguably the best performance of his football career against the Michigan Wolverines. Gentry amassed 12 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble. With 26 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks, Gentry is not only a standout for the Trojans, but amongst the best defensive players nationally.

Those 6.5 tackles for loss rank tied for first in the Big Ten Conference and second nationally according to NCAA.com. Gentry also boasts a 78.5 Pro Football Focus grade which ranks fourth amongst linebackers in the loaded Big Ten Conference with some of the best defenses in the country. 

The numbers are one thing, but watching Gentry play is the real treat. At 6’6 Gentry has a frame more customary to that of a basketball small forward. To see the physical nature he plays with while having a frame like that is incredibly unusual. To be able to play with leverage and either spill or scrape over consistently and make tackles is impressive.

First-year defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn has been a huge part of the USC Trojans defensive improvement. Lynn, in part, credits Gentry and his ability to get the quick turnaround. 

“Just with his versatility you know? He’s a guy that can do a lot of things. So, each week it might look a little different, but you can do just about anything with a guy his size and speed.” Lynn said earlier this season. 

USC LB Eric Gentry
Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans linebacker Eric Gentry (18) gestures during the third quarter against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

That’s an emphatic endorsement from Lynn who has coached in the National Football League for multiple years and been around the best athletes in the world. To be a player that stands out in those aspects to a coach like Lynn highlights rare ability. 

"He's been really engaged, high energy, as he always is, and I think he's taken to our new defensive staff and scheme and certainly his new teammates very well.” Coach Lincoln Riley said about Gentry after the Utah State game.

To have the belief of the staff is one thing, but to prove that belief right and produce at the level Gentry has is another. If he continues at this pace, he’ll not only be in line for some major award nominations and honors, he’ll be a legitimate next-level prospect. 

All-22 Cutups:

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Kyron Samuels
KYRON SAMUELS

Kyron Samuels is a former college and professional football player now a writer, analyst, & digital host. Kyron is a writer for USC Trojans on SI and contributes to Oregon Ducks on SI. A graduate and letterman at Jacksonville State University, Samuels was a three-year starter, two-time all-conference, and won three consecutive conference titles. After a four-year professional stint between the AFL & XFL, Samuels retired from football. In 2022, Samuels was inducted into the Fairhope Athletic Hall of Fame. Post-playing career, Samuels has become a credentialed sports media member covering the NFL, UFL, USFL, & college football. The NFL Combine, Reese’s Senior Bowl, & East-West Shrine Bowl are amongst the events Kyron has covered. As a guest and host, Samuels has been featured on ESPNRadio, FoxSportsRadio, & IHeartRadio. Outside of sports media, Samuels works as a scouting consultant and has experience coaching at the collegiate level.

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