USC Trojans Make Surprising Move Along Defensive Line: First Official Depth Chart

The USC Trojans released their depth chart with their season-opening game right around the corner and it featured a couple of surprises. Most notably on the defensive side of the ball, Devan Thompkins earned a starting role at defensive tackle.

Sep 3, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts in the second half against the Rice Owls at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans posted their first official depth chart in anticipation of their season-opening game on Aug. 30 vs. the Missouri State Bears. There wasn't too many surprises on the list, but one move on the defensive side of the ball stood out among the rest.

Redshirt junior Devan Thompkins was listed above some of the Trojans' high profile defensive line transfers at one of the defensive tackle spots. Thompkins has been earning rave reviews all offseason-long and is in line to become a starter.

USC's Coaching Staff Thoughts On Thompkins

Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley walks on the field before a game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Last season, Thompkins made the most of his extended playing time. He registered 24 tackles, three pass deflections, and one and a half sacks. During the Trojans' football media day earlier in the fall, USC defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn gave Thompkins really high praise for his work over the offseason.

"Kameryn Fountain is the most improved player from that 2024 class, but outside of that class, Devan Thompkins is the most improved guy on defense," Lynn said

Lynn complemented Thompkins' versatility, which is highlighted by being listed as the second string defensive end behind Anthony Lucas, and his growth as a leader over the offseason. With the Trojans continuing to select captains on a weekly basis, Thompkins could see himself as a multiple time selection.

"Dev can play every position up front," Lynn said. "He doesn't complain. He just does everything that we ask. He's taken a step up in terms of being a leader in that room. He's a big part of what we do on defense."

Trojans' Depth Along Defensive Line

Kentucky’s Keeshawn Silver celebrates some good D against Southern Miss Saturday night at Kroger Field. Aug. 31, 2024 | Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Behind Thompkins at defensive tackle is two of USC's prized additions from this past transfer portal cycle.

Keeshawn Silver, a Kentucky transfer, was ranked as the No. 1 defensive lineman and No. 25 player in the transfer portal according to 247Sports' Rankings. He will enter the season with big expectations despite being listed as a No. 2 on the depth chart.

Jamaal Jarrett transferred in from Georgia over the offseason. The No. 16 defensive lineman in the transfer portal, Jarrett's size at 6-5, 350 pounds will probably have him fill in as a nose tackle in certain defensive fronts.

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Notable Depth Chart Standouts

Nov 16, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans defensive back DJ Harvey (2) reacts after nearly intercepting a pass against the Boise State Broncos in the second quarter at CEFCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The absence of cornerback Chasen Johnson is notable. He is tending to an injury he recently sustained during fall camp that knocked him out of the season-opener vs. Missouri State, but it's still notable that he's missing.

Johnson was battling for a starting spot at cornerback for the Trojans. Listed on the depth chart as the two cornerback starters are DJ Harvey and DeCarlos Nicholson. Expect to see Johnson get back into the mix when he comes back from injury.