Mar 5, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast at spring practice at Howard Jones Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

USC is three weeks into spring camp, and already the defense is developing and improving much more efficiently than the offense is. This has been the norm for the Trojans over the past few years, but this year it is of particular note, as each player is still learning how to fit into an entirely different scheme than the one from 2012.

Through USC’s two weeks of practice before spring break, it had been the Trojan defense that stood out. In Tuesday’s practice, when the team returned in full pads and ready to work, the defense dominated yet again.

This suggests that the players are picking up defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast’s 5-2 system, and the players that now have new roles and responsibilities are adjusting to them quite well.

For example, let’s look at Lamar Dawson: he came into USC a prized recuit, and Lane Kiffin gave him the highly-coved No. 55 jersey, as if to suggest we could expect big things from this linebacker. Through two seasons however, those big moments were incredibly few and far between. This spring, Dawson has been playing as a Will linebacker instead of the Mike, and it is already clear that having him here in the 5-2 is much more suitable to his skill set. He earned the designation of MVP during Tuesday’s practice, and Kiffin has said more than once that he is the most improved player on the team so far.

Another player that had often been a disappointment but is looking to turn things around in 2013 is Torin Harris. On Tuesday he had one of his best practices of the spring, breaking up multiple pases and even recording an interception.

But its USC’s front seven that is impressing the most in spring camp, a mix of young guys and veterans that are meshing to create a formidable defensive line for Troy.

Things are constantly changing and evolving on the defense, and they will continue to do so for the rest of spring and into the fall. But the fact that the defense is clicking with Pendergast’s system so well so quickly is the kind of confidence-booster that USC needs as they continue moving forward towards a clean slate in 2013.

Mar 5, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Marqise Lee (9) is defended by cornerback Su’a Cravens

The Trojans assembled at Howard Jones Field for another edition of spring camp on Thursday, and took part in a spirited session under a sunny, Southern California sky. Today’s practice went a lot better than Tuesday, which was sluggish, according to head coach Lane Kiffin. The men of Troy had a bit of an audience, with appearances made by former Trojans and potential future ones alike.

Here are the quick hits from Thursday afternoon:

The Trojans practice next on Saturday in the Coliseum, at 2 p.m. This practice is closed to the public.

Nov. 24, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver T.J. Jones (7) catches a pass as USC Trojans linebacker Lamar Dawson (55) defends in the first quarter at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Stats:12 games played, 77 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 passes broken up, 1 forced fumble, 2 interceptions

What Stood Out:Lamar Dawson proved to be an effective tackler as he continued his role as the starting middle linebacker for the Trojans, a role he won for the last four games of his freshman year in 2011. He’s not afraid to get physical and has good instincts that yielded a few turnovers for USC this season.

What Needed Work:Dawson wears the coveted No. 55 on his back, a number that holds much esteem in the Trojan Family. Greats like Chris Claiborne, Junior Seau, and Keith Rivers wore the number before Dawson, and so far, he just hasn’t yet lived up to the standard of being in the sacred 55 Club. His play-making ability exists, but the Trojans needed more from him in 2012, and he missed an unacceptable number of tackles this season as well. In his defense, Dawson was often in formations that set him up to get bad angles on tackles, and the Monte Kiffin scheme didn’t really allow him to show just how ferocious and hard-hitting he can be. Dawson has less than two years’ of experience as a starter, and often times it showed in his play.

Final Word:Dawson will likely continue to start at middle linebacker in 2013, and his progression in the Clancy Pendergast system will be worth following. He has all of the mechanics and skills to be a worthy member of the 55 Club, but the jury is still out as to whether that happens.