USC defensive players give initial thoughts on coordinator D'Anton Lynn

New USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn won’t take over as an on-field assistant coach until after the Trojans take on Louisville in the Holiday Bowl. For now, Lynn is operating strictly in a recruiting capacity.

But USC players have been able to have some conversations with Lynn so far. Late last week, several of them spoke following the Trojans’ bowl practice and gave their initial thoughts on Lynn as a person and a coach.

Bryson Shaw

Safety Bryson Shaw said he hasn’t decided yet whether he will use his final year of eligibility and return to USC for the 2024 season. As a 2019 recruit, this is his fifth year in college but he does have the Covid year available.

“He’s a great coach. If I do decide to come back, I’ll be really excited to work with him. In our brief conversations, really off to a great start. I really like the guy so far. He’s a great coach, very smart, and just excited to have the opportunity to get the chance to work with him.”

He’s got a great scheme. Stats show, numbers show, he knows what he’s doing. Smart guy, very young, been in the league and around a lot of great players. Having a coach like that on this field, and having an opportunity to work with a guy like that, it’s just great. Big opportunity for this team and just moving forward with him, a lot of good things. Future’s bright around here.”

Jaylin Smith

Nickelback Jaylin Smith confirmed that he will be back with the Trojans next season. Lynn was a secondary and safeties coach during his time in the NFL.

“Great hire, man. He’s a good guy. [I] had a chance to meet him. He’s a good guy. Passionate about football. I can tell he wants to win and I’m all in with him.”

Smith spoke to Lynn’s desire to put versatile defenders on the field.

“It’s gonna be I think a good upgrade, a compliment to our athletes…I think a coach like that, that is willing to strategize and make it as easy as he can for us is always good.”

Having that coaching experience, going to where I want to be, is great. I can’t wait to work with him. I’m going to pick his brain a little bit and get some nuggets of how to become better. Can’t wait.”

“Him being a DB guy,I think anything that he talks about can help us in the back end as far as making plays on the ball or being in a better position to make a play.”

Jamil Muhammad

Rush end Jamil Muhammad was the first USC players who could have potentially declared for the NFL draft to announce he is returning to the Trojans in 2024. Lynn took advantage of having some talented and experienced edge defenders in his one season at UCLA. Getting Muhammad back will add to what Lynn has to work with there with the Trojans.

“I was excited to meet him. Obviously, I did my research on him as soon as I heard about it. I mean, I didn’t have to do too much research, we just got done playing them. Obviously, their defensive statistics and players they have in their defense speaks for itself. So, we’re excited to have him — me, coaches, the rest of my teammates. So we’re just excited to get to work.”

“They were our last game, so you guys know what they can do — all year, honestly. I’m excited to learn from him and learn what he asks for from the defense.”