USC transfer defensive lineman Anthony Lucas a 'perfect fit' with Trojans
USC is a perfect fit for former Texas A&M defensive lineman Anthony Lucas, according to 247Sports.
The recruiting authority recently outlined 10 players who entered the transfer portal, found new homes, and landed in the perfect spots. 247Sports’ Brendan Sonnone loves the fit for Lucas in Los Angeles, writing this on the former Aggie:
Another long-term projection in terms of fit, but one with significant upside if this hits. Anthony Lucas, from Arizona, was a top 60 player nationally in the 2022 recruiting cycle as he was part of the vaunted Texas A&M class that has already endured multiple departures.
With a transfer portal grade of 93, Lucas will resurface out West, at a school that’s in major need of pass-rush help. USC has added some help in the portal already (Georgia State transfer Jamil Muhammad and Purdue transfer Jack Sullivan ), but Lucas is more of a long-term building block who should help supplant pro departure and the nation’s sack leader Tuli Tuipulotu. USC moved Tuipulotu all over the line this past season, and Lucas could be used similarly given his 6-foot-6, 270-pound frame.
Lucas was a 5-star recruit in the 2022 class out of Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral. He was ranked as the nation’s No. 32 player, the No. 8 defensive lineman, and the No. 1 player in Arizona by the folks at 247Sports.
He played in seven games for the Aggies during the 2022 season, recording 10 tackles and one tackle for loss while spending most of his snaps as a defensive tackle.
Thanks to Tuipulotu, the Trojans ranked 10th nationally in sacks (40) and 34th nationally in sack rate (7.6%) this past season. USC will need to be just as effective at getting after the quarterback next season.
Maybe improved run defense helps. USC sorely needs that. The Trojans closed the year 127th nationally in success rate allowed; opponents were on-schedule far too often.
Individual development is a must in that regard. USC has some promising pieces, Lucas included.