Important defensive message by USC's coach Eric Henderson cites Jalen Ramsey

How coaches approach the game is one of the many interesting things about football. In a social media interaction, USC co-defensive coordinator Eric Henderson shared some insight into what he values on that side of the ball.

A lot of players have the needed athletic ability. An area many fall short in or do not take seriously enough is in the film room. The mental aspect of the game, studying intricacies within each position, and learning from film are immensely important.

It's this that many argue is where Tom Brady set himself apart to become one of football's best to play quarterback in the NFL.

Speaking of the NFL, coach Henderson has been a member of staffs in the pros. Prior stops have included the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Rams. Now in his second year with the Trojans, he has a shared experience with coach Ejiro Evero.

The two were with the Rams and spent time molding a defense that included Jalen Ramsey.

NFL Network's Brian Baldinger shared a post on X showing coach Evero speaking on the former Super Bowl champion and seven-time Pro Bowler. During the clip, the current defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers spoke on Ramsey's football IQ.

His ability to pick up on tendencies and understand how each player fits in the scheme affords coaches the ability to feel comfortable playing Ramsey anywhere on the field.

Coach Henderson quote-shared the post and mentioned him and Eric Weddle as two players who excelled as players who were able to gain an advantage on the field through their football smarts.

Possibilities for current USC defenders

It is telling, as someone who now has an important part in coach D'Anton Lynn's defense, to see what the Trojan co-coordinator values and admires in Ramsey and Weddle.

For current and future Trojans, it should once again illustrate the connections that USC has. Coming to play for the Trojans and then having the ability to be mentored by someone who has first-hand experience of working with two of the current greats should excite anyone to come to campus.

Who knows, if the careers continue to progress and they leave a mark on the program, the up-and-coming talents could one day also be mentioned with Ramsey and Weddle.