The USC Trojans are looking to drastically improve their defense in 2024. While Caleb Williams and the offense were able to put up points in games, the defense hemorrhaged points. Lincoln Riley has made it a point to fix the defense and hired a great new defensive coordinator. On Sunday, the program got a massive commitment from former Vanderbilt defensive lineman Nate Clifton.
Vanderbilt transfer DL Nate Clifton has committed to USC✌️
The 6-5 250 DL has 93 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks in his career👀https://t.co/2kqPQEcPy1 pic.twitter.com/lw81lVvDvP
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) December 11, 2023
USC Trojans Land DL Nate Clifton From Transfer Portal
In 12 games last season for Vanderbilt, Clifton had 30 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, an interception and a pass defended. In his career, he has 93 tackles, 122.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, an interception and three passes defended. New defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn looks will have an upperclassman to help anchor his defense. Riley likely isn’t done trying to get players out of the portal to help the defense.
Move To The Big Ten
USC is getting ready to move to a new conference in 2024. They will join the Big Ten along with Oregon, Washington, and UCLA. I give Riley credit for doing his best to fix the program. Lynn was a home run hire and he also convinced North Dakota State head coach Matt Entz to come and join the program. Riley is bringing in great coaches and should have no problem convincing recruits to come to Southern California.
Nate Clifton will be a great addition to the USC defense. Can the Trojans take the Big Ten in their first season?