USC Football: Why 2 Former UCLA Defenders Defected To Trojans
USC football's defense is gaining two new defenders as former UCLA defensive backs Kamari Ramsey and John Humphrey decided to transfer to the Trojans.
The decision comes as both Ramsey and Humphrey wanted to follow defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn to USC. Lynn was UCLA's defensive coordinator during the 2023 season -- leading the Bruins to a top-ten defense -- but chose to switch over to USC this offseason.
Now, the Trojans have not only gained one of the best defensive coordinators in college football, but two of his key players as well. Ramsey and Humphrey were both surprised by the news that Lynn would be leaving for USC, and ultimately realized the best decision for them would be to follow their D coordinator.
Ramsey's dad, Stacy, explained how sticking with Lynn will allow him to get even better.
“Imagine, now, this is going to be his second year on this level,” Stacy said. “He excelled in his first year. So it’s going to be kinda scary what he’s going to be able to do.”
Ramsey put up 40 total tackles along with an interception and four pass breakups this past season. As a redshirt freshman, Ramsey was effective in limiting opposing receivers and believes sticking with Lynn will improve his odds to achieve his NFL dream.
Meanwhile, Humphrey will enter his fifth year of college after COVID limited his first two seasons. While Humphrey had considered transferring in the past, Lynn leaving caused him to finally pull the plug. Humphrey is coming off his best college season, when he put up 31 total tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and three pass breakups and naturally wants to stay with Lynn.
Overall, the big winner is the USC defense. The Trojans were awful defensively in 2023, with their defensive struggles largely costing them the chance to make a run at a Pac-12 championship or a postseason berth during Caleb Williams' final collegiate season. USC's defense ranked 116th in total yards allowed per game and 94th in passing yards allowed per game. Now, the Trojans are getting two players to help their secondary while taking away from their biggest rival, UCLA.
