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USC Trojans' Eric Gentry Draws Inspiration from this NFL Linebacker

The NFL Combine is here and the seven former USC Trojans have taken center stage on proving their talent to NFL teams. Ahead of his Combine events, linebacker Eric Gentry discussed his time as a Trojan and his leadership as a player.
Teddy King|
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA Southern California linebacker Eric Gentry (LB09) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA Southern California linebacker Eric Gentry (LB09) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Former USC Trojans linebacker Eric Gentry played a large role both on and off the field for the Trojans last season. Now, Gentry enters the NFL Combine with a chance to prove his talent as a versatile linebacker.

Ahead of his events at the NFL Combine on Thursday, Gentry took the time to share what led him to be a team leader for the Trojans and gave credit to a former linebacker teammate who still resides in Los Angeles.

Eric Gentry Inherited Tuli Tuipulotu's Leadership Style At USC

USC Trojans Linebacker Eric Gentry NFL Combine Los Angeles Chargers Tuli Tulipulotu NFL Draft Transfer Portal Big Ten CFP
Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (45) is introduced for the game against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Gentry played one season at Arizona State in 2021 before he transferred to USC in 2022. In his first season in Cardinal and Gold, the 6-foot-6 linebacker played alongside multiple future NFL stars, including Tuli Tuipulotu, who currently plays linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Throughout the 2025 season, Gentry was found on nearly every captain's list for USC on Saturdays and was a prominent figure in leading by example for the younger Trojans. Gentry said his leadership style stems from Tuipulotu and is a key part of what has shaped him into the player he is today.

"(I'm) just trying to lead by example more than just by words. I learned that a lot from Tuli (Tuipulotu) who I was with in 2022," Gentry said at the NFL Combine. "He didn't say much at all, but he came in and had a certain type of demeanor and manor about him, just to understand he was about business everyday. So, I think that's a big thing for me, just understanding that I could lead by action not by words."

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USC Trojans Linebacker Eric Gentry NFL Combine Los Angeles Chargers Tuli Tulipulotu NFL Draft Transfer Portal Big Ten CFP
Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans linebacker Eric Gentry (18) gestures during the third quarter against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Tuipulotu played at USC from 2020-22 and was selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Chargers. Since playing in the NFL, Tulipulotu has recorded 146 total tackles, 27 total sacks and five forced fumbles.

Gentry now has the opportunity to put his talent on display in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine, where his unique skillset and monstrous frame will make him a one-of-a-kind draft pick.

Where Eric Gentry Can Excel at NFL Combine

USC Trojans Linebacker Eric Gentry NFL Combine Los Angeles Chargers Tuli Tulipulotu NFL Draft Transfer Portal Big Ten CFP
Sep 10, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; USC Trojans linebacker Eric Gentry (18) poses for a photo during the third quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images | Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

The USC linebackers did not have a standout year based on the numbers and the game results, but Gentry, individually, brings a rare skillset and size as a linebacker to the Combine. However, at 6-foot-6 and 221 pounds, he presents as a long, lanky athlete, and his 86¼-inch wingspan immediately stands out.

At USC, Gentry was most often seen closing in on the run and operating as an off-ball linebacker, a role that suited him well. For NFL teams evaluating him at the Combine, strong performances in drills like the 40-yard dash, three-cone, and vertical jump could help boost his draft stock

What makes Gentry unique is the versatility that comes with his skill, as he has experience as a SAM, WILL and MIKE linebacker in college. If the right defensive coordinator can get their hands on Gentry, most likely a creative one, Gentry could immediately form into a dangerous backer with the right preparation and defensive scheme.

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Teddy King
TEDDY KING

Teddy King is a reporter for USC Trojans On SI. Teddy graduated from Ole Miss with a B.A. in Journalism. She has experience in both on-site NFL production, including New Orleans Saints games and Super Bowl LIX, as well as in-studio soccer coverage with UEFA Euro Cup and Conmebol Copa America Cup with FOX Sports. During her time at Ole Miss, Teddy spent three years writing for the student-run newspaper, The Daily Mississippian, before transitioning into Sports Editor her senior year of college where she covered the First Round of the NCAA Tournament for Ole Miss Men’s Basketball in Milwaukee. She was also featured on The Paul Finebaum Show as a guest correspondent to discuss the 2024 Ole Miss football season — analyzing offense, defense and strength of schedule. Teddy’s role with USC Trojans On SI allows her to combine two of her favorite things: storytelling with sports.

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