Christian Pierce Speaks Candidly on Learning From New Safeties Coach

USC safety Christian Pierce is entering his fourth year with the program. In that time, he’s shared a room with two All-Americans in Calen Bullock and Bishop Fitzgerald. Former safety Kamari Ramsey was All-Conference player and the leader of the secondary the past two seasons.

Akili Arnold played nearly 50 college games in his five seasons at Oregon State and one with the Trojans in 2024. And former defensive back Jaylin Smith also earned All-Conference honors and played every position in the secondary in four seasons at USC.

USC Trojans Lincoln Riley Recruiting Gary Patterson Christian Pierce Calen Bullock Paul Gonzales Fall Camp All-American — Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines against the Missouri State Bears in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Pierce has been able to learn from each of them — different skillsets and different leadership styles. All of which have helped shaped him into the player he is now.

“I've had a lot of great leaders since I've been at USC and seeing how they move and go about helped me,” Pierce said. “It made me prepare differently. It made me attack certain things a little differently.”

Playing Experience and New Position Coach

Pierce is playing for his third defensive coordinator and position coach since he’s been at Southern Cal. New safeties coach Paul Gonzales is different than what he's has in the past. A longtime assistant under defensive coordinator Gary Patterson, Gonzales has put an emphasis on the small details to improve player development.

“It's been very beneficial. One thing specific, I feel like last year I could have had less eye violations," Pierce said. "That's something that he really hones on this year as a safety. Of course, safety, you have to have the best eyes, you have to communicate the best. You have to put your players in right alignment.”

After primarily playing special teams his first two seasons, Pierce appeared in all 13 games last year, including nine starts. He finished third on the team in tackles and tied for second in pass breakups. The senior has played in several marquee games in 2025 and believes that experience benefits him significantly heading into his second season as a starter.

“I've seen everything in my opinion. I've been in those big moments, so this year my mindset will be completely different,” Pierce said. “I know how to attack everything. I know what's to come and how to go about it. And even more of the preparedness you need to even be in that position. How prepared you have to be in the scheme and understanding the film aspect. I feel like I developed on that aspect.”

Playing for Hometown School and Notre Dame Series

Pierce could have transferred after any of his first two seasons. It's the easy thing to do in this era of college football, especially when a player isn't receiving the playing time they hoped. Even last season, Pierce wasn't projected to start until multiple injuries at the nickel position in fall camp forced Ramsey to move down to that spot.

Pierce is from Rancho Cucamonga, approximately 50 miles from USC’s campus, and wearing the Cardinal and Gold has a special meaning to him.

“It's a big deal. I believe just being at this university is a very big deal," Pierce said. "It's very important. The tradition, the history of this place is unlike anything else."

Pierce also reacted to the renewal of the USC, Notre Dame series, which will resume play in 2030 with a four-game series.

“I'm happy for it," Pierce said. "It's a great rivalry to have. It's been a great game, great atmosphere. It's exactly what college football should be, and I believe it's gonna be fun to watch the younger guys play them in the future.”

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