USC LB Hunter Echols: 'We Can't Hang Our Face Because We Got Some of Our Best Guys Out'

USC is down three of its best defensive players. Against Arizona, the absences had the rest of the defense on alert. Can the Trojans replicate their effort at Colorado?

The Gist

Defensive lineman Drake Jackson is down. So is linebacker Palaie Gaoteote and safety Talanoa Hufanga. They've each been the best players at their respective levels of the defense. As a result, everyone on USC's defense has to do more.

Key Quote

"Our coaches preach that, when someone goes down, it's not a big, we're not depressed about it," linebacker Hunter Echols said. "Next man up. In this case, there's going to have to be some guys that step up, including myself. And that's what we're going to do. We got to go into Colorado, we can't hang our face because we got some of our best guys out. We'll have to continue to go out there and show who we are. We are USC, and at USC we have depth here. We have to show that depth on Friday."

The X Factor

Echols' role expanded last week as USC switched to a three-down front and utilized its outside linebackers more. The Trojans might have to do so again this week with Jackson out and Christian Rector doubtful. (Defensive line coach Chad Kauha'aha'a revealed Tuesday he's holding the senior out until his ankle fully heals.) USC recorded seven sacks against Arizona, its highest output since 2013.

With its secondary getting healthy, look for Clancy Pendergast to bring pressure and try to force Colorado QB Steven Montez off platform. Echols figures to be crucial to that initiative. The redshirt sophomore one of the Trojans' best pass rushers and will likely be called upon to play more snaps given the health of their starting defensive ends.

-- Adam Maya is a USC graduate and has been covering the Trojans since 2003. Follow him on Twitter @AdamJMaya.