Anthony Lucas Could be a Big Part of USC's Defensive Line Revival

There’s no question that USC needs improvement from all three levels of its defense in 2023. But head coach Lincoln Riley spoke multiple times this offseason about a definite and pressing need for a massive jump in productivity and impact from the Trojans’ defensive front. That area was a key spot this offseason in the transfer portal and the recruiting class. USC landed four transfers and signed five high school recruits who will man the defensive line and rush end positions. And of all nine, the one who made the biggest splash and will undoubtedly draw the most attention this season is former blue-chip recruit Anthony Lucas.

The 6-foot-5, 295-pound Lucas was one who got away from USC in the 2022 class. The Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chapparal product was the nation’s No. 42 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Rankings and No. 6 defensive lineman. Lucas recorded seven tackles in seven games for Texas A&M this past fall but elected to enter the transfer portal this offseason. Given another shot to recruit him, USC didn’t miss again. Despite the relative lack of experience relative to USC’s other transfer portal additions this offseason, Lucas was perhaps the most-hyped transfer for the Trojans given his previous recruiting ranking and size.

Riley said Lucas hit the ground running at USC.

“He’s intriguing,” Riley said. “He’s exciting, he’s a unique athlete for his size. Just not many body types like that walking around and to have the athleticism behind it’s been great.”

USC Did Its Transfer Homework on Lucas

Lucas left Texas A&M under less-than-ideal circumstances. He was one of four freshmen suspended by the Aggies following a locker room incident after Texas A&M’s game at South Carolina. The transfer portal recruiting process happens incredibly quickly when players become available. Schools have to vet players, reach out and recruit them often in a matter of hours or even minutes.

USC offensive line coach Josh Henson and inside wide receivers coach Luke Huard both coached at Texas A&M in 2021. Riley said they relied on “some guys on our staff that were involved in recruiting him.” The USC coaches also have many contacts in Arizona and Texas.

“There were a lot of different connections, so we felt good early on about the kind of guy that we were bringing in and the kind of player,” Riley said. “Up to this point, everything he’s showed us has backed that up.

“He’s been at two places in a relatively short amount of time and this is a big adjustment,” Riley said. “And I give him a lot of credit. He’s handled it well. He’s handled just kind of the overall transition. His work ethic has been great. He’s really bought into everything that we’re doing. I think he sensed an opportunity and I’m glad he’s on our team. I’ll put it that way.”

Riley Seeing Improvement Up Front Early in Spring

The key now is for Lucas to put it all together on the field for USC. If he can, he could help the USC defensive front take a huge step forward in 2023. Already, Riley sees improvement at that spot.

“There’s more good players up front,” Riley said, referencing both the new additions as well as the returners that have matured and progressed over the offseason. “We brought in some good players up front. There’s no question about it.”

Last season, USC had a star up front in Tuli Tuipulotu. Riley said what hurt the Trojans was the gap between what was good for them and then the next level below that.

“The gap’s much smaller,” Riley said. “There’s a lot more competition. There’s a lot more talent. This group has shown there’s an opportunity to be more difficult for offenses to block than our group last year. The pieces are in place and coaches have done a good job getting them in the right spot here early.”