Devan Thompkins poised for big redshirt junior season on USC's defensive line

There is a lot to like about Devan Thompkins as he enters his redshirt junior season at USC. The defensive lineman is going to enter the 2025 season wearing the #8 jersey. For him, his efforts show what can come for someone who works hard behind the scenes and is willing to do what's needed to help his team win.

As it is, Thompkins saw an increased role last season, starting in several games. Now he will look to be an unquestioned leader and prominent role in the trenches for USC. 

In an area that has come under a lot of scrutiny since coach Lincoln Riley has taken over, players like Thompkins will form an essential backbone in the Trojan defense. For someone like him, playing in coach D'Anton Lynn's defense for a second year in a row will greatly benefit him.

The defense has not played at the needed levels to compete for a playoff spot. It is because of the carryover and the efforts of people like Thompkins that many believe that there will be a noticeable uptick in the unit in 2025.

For Thompkins in particular, his increase in muscle mass was the talk of reporters during spring camp. Last year he achieved a double-digit tackle season. A lot is possible for someone who has shown a lot of potential and is clearly putting in the work to be ready to see a lot of snaps during the Trojans' second year in the Big Ten.

Endorsement from USC coach for Trojan

Co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Eric Henderson commented on a ranking post from the ROC BOYS FOOTBALL account on X. The initial post asked which interior D-line players are being overlooked at the moment in the country.

Coach Henderson unequivocally responded with Thompkins' name. It is still a couple of months before USC begins the year with its game against Missouri State. Coach Henderson is telling everyone now, however, to be on the lookout for how well Thompkins is about to perform in 2025.