⚡ CFB Dashboard

USC signed up for Mike Ekeler's two-for-one deal this past offseason. The Trojans added the veteran assistant as both linebackers and special teams coach. USC also retained Ryan Dougherty as a clear sign the Trojans were invested in the third phase. USC got strong individual performances on special teams from the likes of placekicker Ryon Sayeri and others, but overall the third phase was far from a net strength. Ekeler arrived with a proven track record for not just improving teams in this area but doing so in short order.  Certainly Ekeler's passion impacted USC's practices during the spring and much of it was connected directly to special teams work. Players like Corey Simms and Elijah Newby testified how nearly everyone on the team was vying for reps while we saw coaches including Lincoln Riley working special teams drills with a pep in their step previously unseen by us.  One of the most intriguing aspects of Gary Patterson taking over USC's defense is the fact he'll be working with more talent and size than he's ever had before by his own admission. Ekeler echoed similar sentiments especially when he factored in the opportunities for USC's talented and large group of freshmen.  "The amount of talent we have and the amount of talent that we're going to be able to put out there on special teams, I'm not joking, like it's hard for me to sleep at night because I'm so damn excited," Ekeler said. "It's about finding the really good mixture of guys and giving guys roles. We have so many talented young players here, finding a spot for them, giving them roles to go out there, and when the lights are on, make plays that are going to affect winning and losing games.  "To get them a part of it so now when their number's called and they go out on offense, they go out on defense, they're already in the flow of the game, been there done that. It's about finding that right mixture, which we will."