LOS ANGELES — Senior linebacker Eric Gentry is the queen on USC’s defensive chessboard, with his ability to move anywhere on the field.
“Each week, it might look a little bit different, but you can do about anything with his size and speed,” coach D’Anton Lynn said.
Standing 6-foot-6, Gentry is versatile at the linebacker position for Lynn and linebacker coach Matt Entz. Seeing a limited 29 snaps in Sunday’s win over LSU, Gentry made the most of his opportunities, finishing with seven tackles.
“It's about time that the world can see what Eric Gentry is all about,” defensive lineman Jamil Muhammad said. “I'm very proud of him for seeing what he can continue to showcase this year as he can move around in different spots. He's built like an edge, linebacker, and safety.”
His speed off the line flashed, creating mismatches for a premier LSU offensive line. The quick twitch allowed Gentry to be disruptive in the backfield, finishing with two tackles for loss.
With 7:38 left in the fourth quarter, Gentry delivered a critical tackle for loss on third-and-1, forcing LSU to punt. Gentry's disruptive play in the backfield set up the go-ahead 28-yard touchdown reception from Ja’Kobie Lane on the next possession.
Gentry praised the coaches for his stat-sheet-filled game, saying that the coaches' detailed preparation in practice benefited him.
With the possibility of linebacker Mason Cobb missing time, Gentry could see more snaps on Saturday versus Utah State.
Mason Cobb has been limited in practice this week, ruled as questionable for Saturdays game.
— Jude Ocañas (@judocanas) September 5, 2024
Gentry's versatility allows him to fill in for Cobb’s natural position as middle linebacker. In Gentry fashion, he kept his thoughts on the upcoming game short.
“I am going to have fun versus Utah State,” Gentry said.
Mentorship wins
Transfer safety Akili Arnold uses his years of experience at Oregon State to mentor the underclassmen in USC football.
At Wednesday’s practice, Arnold was seen helping out sophomore safety Christain Pierce during individual drills with his tackling technique. Arnold has already impacted players and coaches in his short time on campus.
Arnold was one of the five Trojan players named a captain for Week 1. He earned the honor after displaying his leadership and competitive nature throughout camp.
“For me, just knowing all the things that I've been through playing for six years, I am just trying to give them as much knowledge as possible,” he said. “ I've seen a lot at Oregon State. I've seen a lot here. So just give them quick little tips that they could key on to help them play better, play faster, and not think so much.”
Redzone defense
The USC defense has improved the most in making plays in critical moments. Last year, USC struggled to get off the field, consistently giving up red zone touchdowns and third-down conversions.
However, D’Anton Lynn completely revived the unit. On Sunday, LSU converted 5 of 13 third downs and held to 2 for 4 in the red zone.
The Trojans' tackling and speed to the ball were eye-opening compared to last year's unit, making every possession more challenging than the next for the Tigers.
“(The defense) was resilient," Lynn said. "We obviously didn't want to let them down there, but when (LSU) got down there, we played hard and did a good job responding no matter what happened in that drive.
“I don't care if it's a 10-play drive or if they got down there in one explosive play. They're are not in the end zone yet.”