USC needs to feel an impact from its RUSH

A new position group appeared on the USC football roster this spring along with the arrival of new defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. Rather than the traditional outside linebacker designation, those players were tagged with a RUSH label. The attention it grabbed when the roster was released matches well with the attention the position should receive as part of the USC defense on game days.

It’s a spot that gets its own position coach in Roy Manning. And it has just a handful of players. Korey Foreman, Romello Height, Eli’jah Winston and Solomon Tuliaupupu were the four RUSH linebackers listed on the spring roster. Tayler Katoa has been working there as well. There is plenty of potential in that group. But if the USC defense is going to take significant strides forward this season, that potential has to turn into production

“That rush position, that edge position, has to be an impact position,” Manning said. “We demand or ask a lot out of them to be a great pass rusher first, a guy who can get to the quarterback and win one-on-ones first. And then their skill set also has to embody enough athleticism to cover backs and drop in coverage at times.”

Manning called it a “layered position” that requires a specific skill set.

Grinch has been able to find players to fill that role at his previous stops. Last season, Drake Jackson was asked to do a lot of those same things and finished the season with five sacks and eight tackles for loss. Oklahoma’s Nik Bonitto finished the 2021 season with seven sacks and 15 tackles for loss at the RUSH position.

Whether the Trojans can get more out of there will be worth watching this season. Manning said he feels like they have the right players in the right spots right now to find success.

“It has to be a position when we come out of football games that people feel like, okay, I felt the impact of that spot,” Manning said.

Several Players Making an Impression at RUSH

Auburn transfer Romello Height is running with the first team so far this spring. That was expected of the sought-after transfer.

“He’s kind of everything I hoped and we hoped that he would be,” Manning said of Height. “I think when he’s on the field, it makes a difference…He’s making an impact every single time he’s out there.”

Height spoke last week about his transition to USC and comfort level in the defense so far.

Manning said Height’s approach to the game, from film study to his career goals, has been impressive.

“I’ve been very pleased with him,” Manning said.

Of note for USC fans is Tuliaupupu going through full practices. He’s battled injuries for his entire four-year USC career. But he’s out there this spring giving it his all. And Manning has taken notice.

“He’s a physical player,” Manning said. “Trying to find him a home, because the kid is really all into it and loves to be on this field. You feel the passion. He’s a very intense person. I’m pulling for him, that he can find a home wherever it is on that field and hopefully have some success.”

High Expectations for Korey Foreman

Manning said his expectations for former five-star prospect Korey Foreman are “really high.”

“I challenge him in a lot of ways,” Manning said, adding that his reminder is, “The best version of you in high school isn’t good enough to play in college.”

Foreman is dealing with a leg injury this spring and hasn’t been on the field consistently. He had some nagging injuries that plagued him during his true freshman season as well. The USC coaches understand the health situation, but they are clearly looking forward to his return to health.

“He’s a guy that needs to be on that field,” Manning said. “He’s got to work through some injuries and things and still has to mature as a young player. From a skillset standpoint, he’s got some tools now. He looks the part, but not just looks the part. He can bend and is extremely strong. If you were drafting them, that’s what you want. But you gotta go do it.”