USC Trojans
 Ryan Dyrud
Ryan Dyrud
2026-02-20 at 12:34

News And Quotes From USC Assistant Coach Media Day

I will be putting quotes, tweets, photos, and the full list of video press conferences in this thread.

Tap in!

https://x.com/RyanDyrudLAFB/status/2024937430147891451?s=20

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  • Ryan Dyrud

    2026-02-20 at 12:38

    You can just tell what a great football mind Gary Patterson has. Spoke a lot about his scheme and how it has changed and developed over the 20+ years he has been coaching it.

    https://x.com/RyanDyrudLAFB/status/2024941177771106663?s=20

  • Ryan Dyrud

    2026-02-20 at 12:41

    Mike Ekeler spoke about the opportunity to coach linebackers on top of the special teams as a huge reason why he was so excited about the opportunity to come to USC.

    He also spoke about the opportunity to coach with Lincoln Riley. Spoke very highly about Riley and called the BEST QB coach in football, college, and the NFL.

    He also mentioned how talented the LB room is. Just got to get the most out of them as a coach.

    https://x.com/RyanDyrudLAFB/status/2024944603254980907?s=20

  • Ryan Dyrud

    2026-02-20 at 12:53

    During the DC search, Coach Nua says that it was NEVER a question that USC was where he wanted to be, and he just made sure that he remained grounded and in the moment. Can’t wait to get back to work.

    https://x.com/RyanDyrudLAFB/status/2024948432318988419?s=20

  • Ryan Dyrud

    2026-02-20 at 13:00

    Coach Skyler Jones discusses what a privilege it is to be promoted to DT Coach at USC. Talks about his beginnings and the work that he has put in to get to this point.

    He also talks about his relationship with Coach Henny. They are both from the same area in Louisiana, and Henny was very instrumental in his development as a coach up to this point.

    Jones talks about transfer defensive lineman Alex VanSumeran and his leadership. He is one of the older guys in the room and is already taking on a vocal role with the younger guys.

    “I’m a win today guy. What can we do to win today, don’t worry about tomorrow.”

    On what they look for when recruiting players: Character. Position flex. Heavy-handed guys. Pass rush tools. Gotta stop the run first, but then we look at the pass rush tools.

    https://x.com/RyanDyrudLAFB/status/2024949617708945498?s=20

  • Ryan Dyrud

    2026-02-20 at 13:17

    On why he chose to come to USC, Safeties Coach Paul Gonzales said:

    1. He is originally from the West Coast, so it was a great opportunity to get back out west.
    2. It was an opportunity to coach with Gary Patterson again, with whom he has a ton of experience with
    3. Coached against Lincoln Riley in the Big 12 and said it was the toughest offense to defend against, so really wanted the opportunity to coach with him

    Has talked a lot about physically, which will be a focal point of this new look defense. Physicality and discipline.

    He mentioned that starting safety Christian Pierce had an offseason surgical procedure, so he has not been able to participate in the offseason program fully yet. Didn’t make it sound like it was anything serious/long-term.

    Coach almost went into teaching before he got a collegiate coaching opportunity, and now the rest is history.

    https://x.com/RyanDyrudLAFB/status/2024954625456324768?s=20

  • Ryan Dyrud

    2026-02-20 at 13:34

    Coach Trovon Reed immediately lit up when Jontez Williams was brought up. Says he was the best in the portal, and his job is to go and get the best and then make them better. Says he’s had his eye on him, and can’t wait to coach him.

    Talks very highly about Elbert ‘Rock’ Hill and his work ethic already. Nothing will be handed to him, but he will certainly earn it. Says he’s a corner, but he’s athletic and can really play all over. But he’s a corner.

    When asked about what coming back to SC meant, Reed said:

    1. USC is a special place. It’s USC. No place I’d rather be.
    2. Lincoln Riley. Coach Riley is a special coach, and I love working with him.
    3. My guys. I couldn’t leave my guys.

    Reed says that RJ Sermons is so much more mature than when he got here and that he is so determined to get on the field. Says he’s proud of him and can’t wait to continue to watch him continue to develop.

    Coach says that Chasen Johnson wants to be a first-round pick, so they have to do first-round things. Says that Johnson and Jontez are in his office more than he is.

    https://x.com/RyanDyrudLAFB/status/2024958878761582677?s=20

  • Ryan Dyrud

    2026-02-20 at 13:46

    RB Coach Anthony Jones on the incoming freshman running backs

    1. Shahn Alston is a bigger back, extremely productive, and can really play physical. He loves to lift weights
    2. Deshonne Redeaux can do a little bit of everything. Is quick, strong, has breakaway speed, and can catch the ball out of the backfield. Can really do everything from the running back position.

    Waymond is really self-motivated. He was rehabbing immediately and was an extra coach to King Miller and the rest of the RB room all year.

    https://x.com/RyanDyrudLAFB/status/2024962452069486933?s=20

  • Ryan Dyrud

    2026-02-20 at 13:58

    Coach Simmons says that the new age of 7 on 7 camps is good for endurance and getting the guys out and continuing to play, but it is still different from 11 on 11 padded football. There are things they can take from it, but still can’t replace real football development.

    Coach says it’s been fun getting to know new DC Gary Patterson and that he is much nicer when he is on your team.

    https://x.com/RyanDyrudLAFB/status/2024966778615726594?s=20

  • Ryan Dyrud

    2026-02-20 at 14:15

    OC/QB Coach Luke Huard says that QB Jayden Maiava has done a ton this offseason in taking guys in and increasing his leadership role, different from what he has in years past. Spending a ton of time with new guys and unifying the roster.

    Coach says that Maiava is team 1st, team 2nd, team 3rd, team 4th, team 5th. All he cares about is helping the team win.

    You can tell how highly Coach Huard thinks of Jonas Williams. Kid has the opportunity to be really special.

  • Ryan Dyrud

    2026-02-20 at 14:28

    https://x.com/RyanDyrudLAFB/status/2024972831159976416?s=20

  • Ryan Dyrud

    2026-02-20 at 14:40

    The inside receiver’s room is wide open going into this season. Coach Savage says that blocking will be imperative for these guys to get on the field.

    Says that transfer TE Tucker Ashcroft will be a very important player and have an immediate impact.

    https://x.com/RyanDyrudLAFB/status/2024976228051190190?s=20

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