It was looking bleak for the USC Trojans' defense after two extremely poor performances. Many players stepped up for the Trojans against Washington to get a much-needed win and change the vibe to an extent. The defense rose to the occasion, and for that, many young defenders have seen their stock value rise.
Here is my breakdown for the USC Trojans whose stock is going up and whose stock is going down after Week 5:
Stock up:
Tanook Hines, receiver
Tanook Hines has not been overly dominant this season. However, he has been reliable. That connection between him and Maiava is still there. Hines caught a big touchdown and finished the game with 5 catches for 51 yards. Hines can step up whenever needed to elevate the injury bug that has hit the Trojans' receiver room.
Zacharyus Williams, receiver
With
the loss of Corey Simms, the Trojans needed another big play threat. Williams stepped in perfectly last week. He led the Trojans in yards with a stat line of 4 catches for 78 yards. Little by little, he has flashed; against Washington, it was a breakout game for him. Maiava can count on him in the upcoming games.
Jahkeem Stewart, defensive tackle
Since his return from injury the Trojans defense has seen an improvement in play. He has helped this defense generwtae more pressure and he is due for one big game changing play. Against Washington, it was a 47-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. He could very well be a deciding factor in many other games this season.
Luke Wafle, defensive end
Luke Wafle got his first Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors for his performance in Week 5. Wafle had his most productive game with 5 total tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, and a sack. Things are coming together now for the freshman. That is a great sign for this defense.
Kam Crawford, defensive end
Crawford showed some life against the Washington Huskies. He finished with 2 total tackles on the day and a sack. He had a big week according to PFF metrics. He recorded 6 total pressures, had a 22.7% pass rush win rate, and an 89.7 pass rush grade. If he can play like that against the Trojans' upcoming Big Ten opponents, the Trojans' defense will give this team a fighting chance.
Tamere Robinson, linebacker
Robinson had a breakout game as he was one of the Trojans' leading tacklers in last week's game. Robinson finished the game with 6 total tackles and 1 sack. He has really stacked some solid performances the last few weeks. He is underrated in coverage, and in open space he can make some impressive tackles. He is slowly becoming a pivotal piece on the Trojans' defense.
Alex Graham, corner
The promising young corner delivered for the Trojans against the Huskies. Graham not only got home on a sack of his own, but he also created a couple of the other sacks for his teammates. He was a heat-seeking missile in blitz situations. He was 4-for-4 on blitzes, and he may have just given the Trojans a successful blueprint for solving their pass rush woes.
Stock down:
Jayden Maiava, quarterback
Jayden Maiava was amazing to start the season, but as of late, he has had a bad stretch of games. He has not lived up to the standard. However, he has been good enough for USC to win. More often than not, the Trojans have won because of other factors. This week will be a good chance for him to step up and get back to elite play.
Terrell Anderson, receiver
Terrell Anderson was a transfer with high expectations, who so far has not come close to that. More often than not in games since his return, he has been a non-factor. In Week 5, he fumbled a return, which thankfully USC did not lose. Anderson has the potential to be an elite weapon in an offense like Riley's, but he just, for some reason, has not been given that chance. Even with all the injuries, Anderson continues to not be out on the field.
Lincoln Riley
Things got ugly for Lincoln Riley after the loss to Oregon. Things would have gotten much worse for him had he let a game against Washington slip. He and the Trojans both gave the Huskies many chances to beat them. Even after a win by Riley, it still feels like the writing is on the wall for him.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football stock up and stock down report after six games
