There may be no more important story in LA football than the USC Trojans‘ turnaround on defense. In 2023, out of 133 programs, USC ranked 119th in yards per game and 121 points per game. So far this season they are 29th and 47th in those categories.
This is largely due to the complete overhaul of the defensive coaching staff, most notably the addition of defensive coordinator, D’Anton Lynn, who authored a similar renaissance of the cross-town rival UCLA Bruins defense just a season ago.
USC Trojans Defensive Turnaround Captained By Kamari Ramsey
Lynn didn’t just bring his expertise to the USC Trojans, but he also brought with him several key pieces of the 2023 Bruins defense with him, including defensive back Kamari Ramsey.
As the Trojans’ defense regains credibility, Ramsey is turning heads. In Matt Zenitz & John Talty’s Insider Notebook, one NFL scout was very impressed with Ramsey
“He’s made a difference with USC this year,” an NFL scouting source said. “Really good at key and diagnose. And then he’s not afraid to put his face on guys. If you watch the LSU game, he is something that USC did not have, which is a safety that could secure tackles and eliminate explosive plays. But you can do a lot of different stuff with him. He’s a physical player, run the alley. He’s fun to watch. And when he hits people, they stop.”
UCLA was among several schools to recruit the four-star safety. Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan, and USC had all extended offers to the Chatsworth, California native. He redshirted his first year with the Bruins, then started once Lynn joined the team.
After three games, Ramsey has 15 combined tackles including a tackle for loss and a sack. He also has a pass defended and a forced fumble. On 12 targets he has allowed seven receptions for a total of just 41 yards.
