Trojans defense hopes to force more turnovers

The Trojans had another tough, physical practice on Wednesday. Interim head coach Clay Helton continued to emphasize the competition that the players have with each other in practice to better prepare for situations during a live game.

“Love the effort these kids are playing with right now,” Helton said. “The defensive unit has really come together, and it’s been neat to watch them.”

The strong effort — especially from the defense — has made an impact during the game. The defense has produced six interceptions in their last two games — doubling the number from the first half of the season.

Against Cal, sophomore cornerback Adoree’ Jackson grabbed a pick-six and senior cornerback Kevon Seymour had an interception in the fourth quarter.

Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox applauded the individual performances from Jackson and Seymour, but he also emphasized the team’s involvement on the plays.

Wilcox credits the defensive turnaround in the second half of the season to a focus on technique and attention to detail. He said that the defense is improving across the board.

“Guys are making strides and showing progress at different positions,” Wilcox said. “We expect that to continue.”

Looking toward Arizona, Wilcox knows that his players will need to continue to focus on their technique and mental intensity to handle the tempo of the Wildcats’ offense.

“Ultimately it comes down to the execution of the play,” Wilcox said. “We’ve been better in that area.”

One of the keys to the team turning it around in the second half has been Helton’s focus on togetherness.

Redshirt sophomore safety Chris Hawkins noted that Helton has made the team into a real family, especially with the Tuesday night family dinners.

“You want to play for one another,” Hawkins said. “You don’t want to let your brothers down.”

In practices, Helton encourages the players to constantly be competitive with each other to mirror game situations.

“The competition we bring against one another helps us on the field,” Hawkins said. “We compete at the highest ability.”

Sophomore wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster  underwent surgery on Monday to repair his fractured hand. He was at practice Wednesday morning in a cast supporting his team.

“I consider him Superman, so it wouldn’t shock me if all of a sudden Thursday or Friday he says, ‘Coach, I’m ready.’”

Smith-Schuster’s ability to play will be dependent on pain tolerance. Helton is planning on not having Smith-Schuster available to play, but he’s still waiting to see.

With various injuries to the wide receiver corps, USC has had to utilize its depth. Freshman wide receiver Deontay Burnett has stepped up for the Trojans after he recorded three catches for a team-high 82 yards against Cal — the second most on the team. Helton has been impressed with Burnett’s effort and work ethic.

“That light comes on a lot quicker for guys who pour themselves into the craft,” Helton said.

A focus on family and technique has kept the Trojans effective and successful on the field. They will once again have their work cut out for them on Saturday. If they beat the Wildcats, they will remain in the race to win the Pac-12 South.