Lincoln Riley discusses Eric Gentry's unique value to USC defense

No. 7 USC has gotten off to a superb start to the season, with an offense clicking thanks to a handful of high-profile transfers and a defense that has proven exceedingly opportunistic. One thing the Trojans have going for them defensively is the presence of linebacker Eric Gentry, who adds unique value based on his size.

Gentry, a transfer from Arizona State, is listed at 6 foot 6, 200 pounds.

“He is unique. There’s not a lot of comps, really,” coach Lincoln Riley said on the Trojans Live program this week. “Normally that height is reserved for the edge, so to be able to move like he can and have some of the instincts that he has as a young guy is pretty impressive.”

USC’s defense has already forced eight turnovers on the season through two games. Only Western Kentucky (10) and Liberty (nine) have produced more in that short a window.

Gentry hasn’t gotten involved in the takeaway fest yet, but he’s been a big part in setting USC up in favorable down-and-distance situations as the team’s leading tackler. He’s already racked up 12 stops, including credit received for half a sack and half a tackle for a loss.

“He’s done a good job,” Riley said. “He’s been very active in the middle of the defense.”

Eric Gentry offers value with his length

There aren’t a ton of inside linebackers that check in as tall as Gentry. Frankly it can present issues with pad level and leverage if you’re undisciplined.

That hasn’t been a problem for Gentry so far.

And what his length offers is a serious hindrance to opposing quarterbacks when he drifts into the passing lanes. Not many are used to linebackers who can be so disruptive simply by being on the field in pass defense.

Couple that with his technique and USC has gotten a great one out of the transfer portal.

“I know we talked a lot about it in camp, just his range and the way he affects the throw game over the middle,” Riley said. “Then I’ve been impressed with his physicality, with how well he’s tackled. Because not only has he not missed tackles, but the majority of those tackles have been contact and guy goes down. Not a lot of yards after contact, which has been very important, obviously, at his position.”

Riley’s hopeful Gentry, who was an FWAA Freshman All-American last season at Arizona State, can continue to improve.

“We’ve been excited about the way he’s playing,” the USC coach said. “He’s playing cleaner more and more as we go. He’s making less mistakes, but he’s kind of always around the ball and always making plays, and obviously for a linebacker that’s about as important as it gets.”