Deven Bryant says the early version of USC’s defense is built on a simple idea: everyone has to be locked in, lined up, and doing his part. After the Trojans’ 39-0 shutout of Fresno State, the linebacker described new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson as the driving force behind that edge.
“He's a ferocious guy. He's trying to make sure everyone gets the call and everyone's looking at him.”
“And he's making sure we're all on the same page and getting the call. So we can go out and execute the play.”
Bryant said that same message runs through the linebacker room, where Mike Ekeler has been coaching the group to stay composed and focused on the task in front of them.
“You just got to keep a level head. And kind of be in the moment.”
“Just take deep breaths, and focus on your job. Plus what you're supposed to do and not let the moment get to you.”
“Ultimately, you've got to know where your fit is. And know where you're supposed to be.”
“Plus make sure everyone is doing their 'one-eleventh,' and surround to the ball plus score [on defense].”
The former Washington Huskies standout also talked about what it has meant to play back home.
“It’s been great. You know, a lot of family have been able to come to my games.”
“Guys I also know who have been around the area have come to see me play. Now they don't have to go out of state just to watch me play.”
“So it's been great being back at home and being close to them.”
For Bryant, the defense’s buy-in is showing up in the way the group plays together and trusts each other snap after snap.
“I think buying in and knowing what your boys are going to do with their 'one-eleventh' each play [is big].”
“So I would say making sure everybody's on the same page and getting the call. Plus making sure we're all doing the right things on the play.”
He pointed to the defensive line as a major part of that picture, saying the front is helping create freedom for the linebackers behind it.
“It’s pretty cool to see them do their thing and also good to see they're doing all the right things and making plays for us.”
“[Them] making big plays for us is huge for us. It brings a lot of juice and energy for the guys on the defense and we all feed off of each other's game.”
“Those guys on the whole defensive line do a great job and making sure they're in the right position to make plays. It helps us linebackers move freely.”
Bryant said the mindset in the room is aggressive and confident.
“We're on the attack. You know, we've got something to prove this year.”
He also said the group’s growth started to click late in camp and continued through the summer, when Patterson was working with the defense on the field and in meetings.
“Towards the end of fall camp, we started to see more guys bought in and in the summer, we had meetings with GP [Patterson] and just walking through things on the field. I think collectively that brought us all together. We just bought in to what he's teaching us.”
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