Oct 13, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; USC Trojans defensive end Leonard Williams (94) sacks Washington Huskies quarterback Keith Price (17) during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 13 games played, 64 tackles, 1 interception, 13.5 tackles for loss (46 yards), 8 sacks, 4 passes broken up

What Stood Out: How about FWAA Freshman All-American? Leonard came in 2nd on the Trojans in sacks, 5th in tackles, 2nd in tackles-for-loss, had 2 fumble recoveries & an interception. Williams is only a freshman, too! This kid is an absolute wrecking crew on the defensive line. He did a little bit of everything in 2012 & he will be called upon to improve on that in 2013.

What Needed Work: The penalties! My god, the penalties! Jay Stricherz might still be throwing flags on Leonard Williams. This guy had ALL OF THE PENALTIES in 2012. Discipline will be a huge issue for Williams moving forward. Considering that USC was the 18th most penalized team in the nation (yards) & racked up 808 penalty yards, Williams had better learn to play with more discipline if he expects to retain his starting position moving forward.

Final Word: Stop. Getting. Flagged. In addition to the stats already mentioned, USC was tied for 6th in the nation for total flags, with 101 flags thrown on them. Williams was as much of a part of this as anyone & he had some rather huge blunders. The upside to Williams is definitely there, but the part of his brain that operates like the 2012 Raiders needs to be permanently removed.

Nov 10, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans nose tackle George Uko (90) tackles Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Taylor Kelly (10) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Arizona State 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 13 games played, 31 tackles, 9 tackles for loss (43 yards), 5 sacks, 1 pass broken up, 1 forced fumble, 1 touchdown

What Stood Out: Uko was fourth on the team in sacks & third on the team in tackles-for-loss in 2012. Still only a sophomore, Uko increased his sack total by 3.5 this year. Uko has improved each year he’s been with the Trojans. Though USC got more productions out of their defensive ends, Uko has shown explosive ability and increased potential in his 2 years. Though the defensive line had a down year in 2012, Uko continued to show improvement in his second year and even registered a half sack in the Sun Bowl. Though his production will need to substantially increase in his junior year, Uko has progressed nicely and there is reason to be hopeful.

What Needed Work: Ideally, you’d like to see Uko produce higher numbers on the interior. With Breslin and Williams drawing much of the attention, Uko needs turn on the motor and get after the quarterback more. Additionally, Uko needs to increase productivity in tackling. The defensive line is the first wall of defense against the opposing run game and Uko trails the pack in terms of tackling numbers. The whole defensive line needs to be more productive, but Uko is one of those guys that should be leading the pack, not trailing it.

Final Word: Uko will be entering his 3rd season with the Trojans and Clancy Pendergast is the exact type of coach that’s going to allow Uko to succeed. He’s a hard-nosed coach with a penchant for aggressive tactics & Uko should thrive in that environment. Uko is going to be one of the veteran leaders of this defensive line in 2013 & he will need to play like it if USC is going to have any chance at success.

October 20, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive tackle Antwaun Woods (99) and Colorado Buffaloes defensive lineman Andre Nichols (58) reach for a fumbled ball in the second half of the game at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Southern California won 50-6. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 13 games played, 16 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss (15 yards), 3 sacks

What Stood Out:Stats don’t tell the full story with Antwaun Woods. Woods is a huge body and he occupies 2 spaces at once. In an ideal setting, he would be a nose tackle. Stats rarely tell the full story with Woods because of his size & ridiculous strength. Woods has the strength to be an effective pass rusher in obvious passing situations. This was evident as he racked up 3 sacks as a freshman.

What Needed Work:Technique, by far. As was already mentioned, Woods has superior strength. He lacks technique & finesse, but you can expect that he will progress under Orgeron. Additionally, he currently lacks the motor to be an every down guy. He’s a situational guy, but could become an absolute terror if he increases his stamina and football acumen. With additional coaching and an increase in role responsibility, Woods will be expected to take big steps moving forward. Especially if USC is to be dominate in Pendergast’s schemes.

Final Word:It’s far too early in Woods’ career to give a final word on anything. He’s young, raw, and talented, but he needs veteran guidance. With the addition of 3-4 schemes, Woods should see an increased role in USC’s defensive schemes. He definitely has to tools to be the defensive line leader when the team is in a 34 base.