Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

USC Trojans Eye Top Defensive Lineman in Transfer Portal as Potential Target

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Dyrud | Last updated 4/17/24

After losing Isaiah Raikes and Stanley Ta’ufo’ou to the transfer portal earlier this week, it is no secret that the USC Trojans will be adding a defensive lineman, or two, to their roster through the transfer portal. The portal giveth and the portal taketh away.

Coaches and programs have to be able to adapt quickly in this new transfer portal era, but USC still sits in a really good place with its roster, and now has the ability to upgrade the position, perhaps even more than what Raikes offered.

As of this morning, a new player has entered the portal that has the ability to be a perfect fit for the Trojans.

TCU defensive lineman Damonic Williams is expected to enter the transfer portal, a source tells @On3sports.

Will be one of top defensive linemen in the portal. Leaves the Horned Frogs with 60 career tackles and 9.5 TFL. https://t.co/VNvB2Ek6qR pic.twitter.com/5jHZGoL3ZZ
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) April 17, 2024

Damonic Williams A Perfect Fit For USC Trojans

Former TCU DT Damonic Williams is now in the portal and could be just what USC is looking for. Williams stands at 6’2 and weighs a staggering 320 pounds. Interestingly enough, that is roughly the exact same size as Raikes. The difference, however, comes in the way of production.

Last season at TCU, Williams finished with 33 total tackles and 3 sacks. Raikes finished last season at Texas A&M with 17 total tackles and 1 sack. In fact, in his entire collegiate career, Raikes has 42 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. Obviously, stats don’t tell the full story, but Damonic Williams seems like he would be a substantial upgrade to play alongside Bear Alexander.

His other accolades include a 2022 Freshman All-American and a 2023 All-Conference selection. Add in the fact that Williams was born in Torrence, and attended Bishop Alemany in Mission Hills with current USC QB Miller Moss, this move just makes way too much sense.

No crystal balls have been given yet, but it has only been a few hours. I would anticipate this to move fairly quickly. No guarantees of course, but the dots just feel way too connected.

We will keep you up to date as this story develops, but what do you think? Should the USC Trojans add Damonic Williams?

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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