Kobe Pepe using USC Football spring camp to earn coaches' trust

The upcoming USC football season will require a lot from defensive tackle Kobe Pepe. As a senior, he brings a lot of experience and wisdom to the team, particularly to the underclassmen. For him, 2025 means a chance to end his college career on a high note.

When talking about someone who is dedicated to the Cardinal and Gold, Pepe needs to be mentioned. He has battled through a lot of injuries, at times questioning how he would be able to best help the team. Now fully healthy and having gained 20 pounds through the current offseason, he will look to be a significant piece in defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn's scheme.

There are a lot of overlooked aspects to being a college athlete. This is particularly true regarding health. At this time, Pepe is feeling good and excited about being able to attack the rest of spring camp and head into summer, knowing that USC's second year in the Big Ten is right around the corner.

For Pepe, building up his body has been a key part of preparing for the fall. And being healthy now, without any concerns, is allowing him to drill and assess if any further changes will be needed over the next few months in terms of going up or down in weight. Either way, he's overcome a lot and is ready to put his years of habits and knowledge to good use on the football field. The DT explained while speaking with the media:

"Last year was a huge step for me, I think, with them giving me an opportunity to play. And just this year I think it opens up more opportunities to be on the field more but also build more confidence with the coaches in me to be able to stay on the field."

This type of response shows a level of maturity that isn't often seen in others. A lot of people view setbacks and the success of others as occurrences that happen to them, rather than viewing the role they can play in bettering their own situation. Pepe mentioning that it is on him to make the staff want to give him more steps is hugely positive.

Prepared USC football student of the game

Not only that, he is saying the right things and then matching them through his actions. After getting his body right through countless hours of rehab and following the plans set by the Trojans staff, he has now positioned himself to be a constant presence on the field this upcoming season.

 It's unknown what coach Lynn will view as his exact role in terms of starting or being only asked to come in on third down. Either way, his practices and studying off the field will allow him to be ready for any down and distance that USC football finds itself in come late August.