USC defense looking for breakout senior season from Anthony Lucas

It has been since the USC game against Penn State that fans have seen Anthony Lucas on the field. Now entering his senior year for the Trojans, the defensive end will look to help provide the needed edge in this coach D'Anton Lynn system.

There has not been much for Trojan fans to analyze or hear from this past spring, as Lucas continues to heal from what has been described as a lower leg injury. As things stand at the moment, however, the setback is not expected to linger through to the beginning of the 2025 season.

As a veteran with three years of collegiate experience and considerable time in coach Lynn's defense last year, he will be someone that USC will expect to lean on a lot this fall. Health will be the number one concern, naturally, when the late summer months arrive. Assuming all goes according to plan in that regard, Lucas is someone who should be able to put up good numbers and have a large impact on this defense.

Lucas has a good combination of size, power, and athleticism on the defensive line. When he is able to get his feet under him and can be the one initiating on plays, he provides a lot of issues for the opposing offensive line.

Even when he does not get to the ball carrier, he does a good job of clogging up holes and messing up the general offensive flow of the other team.

Important role for this USC defensive unit

Add that he has a good motor and has the force necessary to make game-changing hits, and there is a lot to like about Lucas' skill set. Most expect him to be a starter in 2025, and he has the realistic potential of having a true breakout type of year.

Crossing fingers on Lucas' ability to stay on the field, this USC defense that is looking to improve across the board could see one of the biggest boosts from the senior returning to the field for the Trojans from his injury last season.