LOS ANGELES — USC linebacker Desman Stephens II is quickly earning recognition, and defensive responsibilities.
The sophomore has lined up at middle linebacker this season and has been given the “green dot,” making him the designated player to communicate with defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn during games.
“It’s crazy seeing a sophomore be able to do that,” linebacker Eric Gentry told reporters after practice on Wednesday. “I can’t imagine me playing Mike and being able to do that when I was here at 22. He’s just showing a large amount of maturity. Way more than a lot of people can definitely handle, especially being so young.”
Stephens ranks fourth on the team in total tackles with six (five solo) in his second year with the Trojans. Gentry leads the team with 13 tackles across the first two games of the season in addition to two tackles for loss and a sack.
The coaching staff rotated the green dot responsibility among defensive players throughout spring practices and fall camp before settling on Stephens.
“It’s a lot,” Lynn told reporters. “You have to get the call. You have to set the front. You have to talk to all the positions, and especially being as the first year out there – I think he’s been doing an outstanding job.”
Lynn quickly relays information about the upcoming play to Stephens during games, then the linebacker repeats it to his teammates. The coach remains steady and calm during games, which Stephens says helps with the communication.
“Having a smart, but also just calm, cool, and collected guy on the sidelines really just helps while the game goes,” Stephens said, “because definitely emotions rise and fall during the game. So just having that steady, cool person that you know you can go to is definitely helpful.”
Career-firsts on defense
Defensive end Anthony Lucas recorded the first two sacks of his career on Saturday against Georgia Southern, and reflected on the accomplishment after practice on Wednesday.
“It was great just having the game that Lynn schemed up for us going into that game,” Lucas told reporters. “And what I’ve been learning from Henny (defensive line coach/co-DC Eric Henderson) and (defensive ends coach) Shaun Nua have been really key to that.”
Lucas, Braylan Shelby and Kameryn Fountain are all providing pressure from the edge with two sacks apiece in the first two games of the season. Lucas’ sacks have led to a team-best 19 yards in losses.
Freshman Jahkeem Stewart played in his first college game against Georgia Southern after sitting out the first two games of the season with an injury. He finished with a tackle and a tackle for loss as well as approval from Lynn.
“It was exciting to see him out there,” Lynn said. “I know that he’s gonna keep on improving. Sometimes when you’re out there first game, your eyes are a little big, but I thought he did a lot of good things, and we’re excited for him to keep on building off that each week.”