Anthony Lucas breaks down work at multiple positions

USC defensive lineman Anthony Lucas spent his first spring camp with the Trojans working out in different positions. While getting reps in at multiple positions during his first practices might be overwhelming to some, Lucas is used to it.

“Thats what I did at A&M,” Lucas said after a spring practice in April. “Its almost the same thing over here.”

He also added that in high school at Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral, he bounced around positions a lot as well. But while in college it has mostly been on the edges of the defensive line, in high school he moved around a lot more on the interior.

Lucas transferred to USC from Texas A&M in the winter. He played in seven games for the Aggies last season.

He said some of the things he is trying to improve upon are his fundamentals and not jumping too much.

“Keep myself on the ground more,” Lucas said. “I’m kind of jumpy out of my stance. I like to stay in the air, bounce out…And more base fundamentals so that when I get to the field, I’m not thinking about those things, I’m just going and playing fast.”

Lincoln Riley really liked how Anthony Lucas looked in spring practice

USC head coach Lincoln Riley had high praise for Anthony Lucas during the team’s spring camp.

“He’s done a good job,” Riley said after a spring practice in April. “I’ve really been impressed. For a younger guy to transfer in, he’s learned our stuff. He’s been very reliable from a scheme standpoint. He makes explosive plays. He’s brought really good energy and competitiveness to each day. He was one of the first newcomers to earn or to become gold plated. He got that on a couple of days back. He’s done a nice job. He’s really acclimated well. Just been a really fun guy to have in the program. He’s been a fun guy to put on our defense.”

One of the highest pieces of praise Riley could give to Lucas was comparing him to last year’s Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous All-American Tuli Tuipulotu.

Tuipulotu, who was drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Charges, was a dynamic pass rusher for the Trojans who racked up 22 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.

“I’m not saying he’s Tuli,” Riley said. “I’m not saying he’s a great player, yet. He certainly got the chance to be. He keeps on the track he’s going, he’s got a chance to be very good. We’ve been thrilled with just how he’s handled it all here in the beginning and acclimated to our team and our pro and our culture.”