Shane Lee evaluates where USC's defense needs to improve the most

The USC Trojans did a lot of good things during the 2022 season, but the weak link of the team was the defense, according to most critics. Linebacker Shane Lee knew it would be priority No. 1 going into the offseason.

Following a 46-45 loss to Tulane in the Cotton Bowl, Lincoln Riley, Alex Grinch and the Trojans came under fire once again. Grinch will return as the defensive coordinator, as will Lee to the defense.

But the star linebacker was honest about what USC needed to do moving forward if the team wants to compete for national titles.

“The first thing is to watch the film and correct everything that we need to correct,” Lee said after the Cotton Bowl. “As far as moving forward, I guess it’s just playing together, playing fast, playing free. We just got to play fast and we’re having fun out there like, we’re tough to compete with. Obvious like we’ve shown it. There’s other games with different spurts and stuff, but it’s just about being consistent in doing so.”

The leaky defense led to games such as the one versus Tulane or even the Pac-12 Championship Game loss to Utah.

USC’s offense was solid of course, led by Heisman winner Caleb Williams. But that defense certainly had its issues, especially with surrendering a lot of points.

But, Lee finished his first season with USC after transferring from Alabama with 79 total tackles, 52 solo tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, one pass deflection and one defensive touchdown.

As a member of the Class of 2019, Lee was a four-star prospect out of Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances Academy when committing to Alabama, according to the On3 Consensus. He was the No. 2 overall prospect in the state, the No. 9 linebacker prospect in the class and the No. 71 overall prospect in the class.

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“I’m staying,” Lee said, via WeAreSC. “I just like what we’re building here. I’m comfortable here. I’m excited for what’s to come. And I want to be a part of that. I want to help build it and be a part of it. Continue what we started … 

“We talked before I came here about building something. This is just a continuation of that. I really am excited. I’m happy to see the new pieces we’re going to bring in. And how we’re going to keep building and how we’re going to keep climbing.”