Desman Stephens II is ready to step up for USC at critical Mike linebacker position

Year two in the coach D'Anton Lynn defense will mean a certain level of comfort for the USC players. Desman Stephens II in particular will have a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, but the familiarity will provide an elevated level of comfort that would otherwise not be there.

Expected to be the starting middle linebacker, Stephens is already acting like a veteran, establishing a vocal leadership presence on the defensive side of the ball. Throughout spring camp, the MLB has expressed his enjoyment of learning under coach Lynn and position coach Rob Ryan while knowing what is expected of him while continuing to work on areas that need improvement.

He will know as well as anyone that with the bodies up front of Jahkeem Stewart, for example, a lot of plays will open up for the Trojans at the second level.

Still an underclassman, a lot of how this season will play out depends on Stephens. He is someone, however, who is ready for this increase in his role and both knows  and can exceed the weight of expectations that have been placed on him for the 2025 season.

A converted safety from his high school days, Stephens offers a lot as a player who is now a linebacker. His athleticism and coverage ability, coupled with his love of going downhill and hitting, are a large reason why the Trojan staff is willing to place so much trust in the second-year collegiate player.

Willing learner and loyalty being rewarded by USC program

Stephens saw limited action as a freshman. His story is an excellent illustration of why USC has shifted the way they approach recruiting. A lot of student-athletes could have easily opted for the portal after being lower on the depth chart compared to their more experienced teammates.

Instead, he put in the reps throughout the season and learned the intricacies of the scheme. The carryover of coach Lynn remaining at USC and being able to have a year's worth of practice and reps under his belt allows him to now approach the Mike linebacker role with an earned set of confidence.

Trojan fans know how important the defensive position is. From Chris Claiborne to Clay Matthews Jr. to Rey Maualuga, it is a strong MLB legacy at USC. Not wanting to get too ahead, but as only a sophomore with a ton of talent, Stephens will hope to do what's asked of him at the position and live up to some of the prior greats who played from the middle of that Trojan unit.