Kamari Ramsey talks transfer to USC, draw of playing for D'Anton Lynn

USC didn’t just pluck defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn from its crosstown rival UCLA this offseason. The Trojans also landed transfer defensive backs in safety Kamari Ramsey and cornerback John Humphrey from the Bruins. Those are two potential starters in the secondary and significant keys to a smooth install of Lynn’s defensive scheme.

Ramsey joined Trojans Live this week and covered a few topics, including the decision to transfer to USC, spring goals and playing for Lynn.

“First things first, coach Lynn leaving,” Ramsey said of why he entered the transfer portal and looked for a new school to finish his college career. “That was a big loss. After playing with him for one year, I loved his defense, NFL-style defense. I’ve always watched the Ravens play and that’s where a lot of his scheme came from. That played a major factor.”

Ramsey said USC’s undergraduate business program also helped him make the decision, considering that’s not something UCLA offers and something he wants to pursue. The 6-foot, 204-pound safety said it’s been an easy transition to make, moving from UCLA to USC.

“We’ve all got the same goal,” Ramsey said of his teammates. “We all want to win. We know what USC is, what the tradition is. We just want to win, so we’re all buying in.”

Ramsey has some extra expectations on his shoulders this spring. While most players are learning Lynn’s scheme for the first time, and Lynn has already said he’ll likely do some things differently this year compared to last, Ramsey’s one year already under Lynn gives him a big advantage.

“The main thing I’ve been trying to do is help others and get everybody else up to speed and try to be an extension of the coach on the field,” Ramsey said. “That way we get the scheme down and that way, once fall camp hits, it’s not like we’re trying to catch up or anything. We already know what we’re doing and we’re really comfortable.”

Ramsey said he doesn’t consider himself a free safety or a strong safety and has the versatility to play both. That’s another thing that draws him to Lynn’s defense.

“It’s very aggressive and for my play style as a versatile safety, he puts me in many different positions to make plays, and he’s always playing to my strengths,” Ramsey said. “As far as his scheme, he’s always going to put you in the best position to make plays.”

While Lynn’s specialty is the secondary, having played cornerback and coached safeties previously, USC has a designated secondary coach in Doug Belk. Ramsey said they’re gotten off to a strong start there.

“It’s been really good,” Ramsey said. “He’s been teaching a lot of different techniques. He has a lot of knowledge. He’s put a lot of people in the NFL…He’s a young position coach, so he relates to us. He’s been good to us.”

Ramsey is part of a USC defense this season that understands the quick turnaround needed from what was put on the field last season. And that started with conditioning work this offseason.

“It was pretty harsh, especially running the stadium,” Ramsey said. “The weight room was probably the toughest. We’re trying to get big, put on more muscle mass. They know the type of teams we’re playing and you’ve got to put your body through that, so just get your body ready for that.”

Ramsey will have a familiar face in the secondary in fellow former Bruin John Humphrey. Ramsey spoke glowingly of what the 6-foot-2, 196-pound Humphrey brings to the Trojans.

“Length, speed, size,” Ramsey said. “John Humphrey is one of the most freakiest athletes I’ve ever seen. he can do everything. He has size, has speed, technician, good press, long arms. He’s just a freak athlete. That was a good piece, him coming over, too.”