Being a good player is an inherent benefit to a football team, but being a good fit and a helpful teammate adds to a winning equation.
Such is the value of Kyon Barrs to USC and to teammate Bear Alexander in particular.
We talked to USC football analyst Josh Webb about this dynamic on the Trojans’ defensive line:
“It’s no secret that USC is in need of massive improvements along the defensive line. People notice when units struggle,” Webb told us. “Utah had a cookout against USC’s defense the first time last season, and then a barbeque in the Pac-12 Championship Game. If Alex Grinch wishes to remain employed at USC beyond 2023, the USC defense needs to be stingy and not charitable.
“Fortunately for Grinch, he has received a tremendous amount of help at key positions, including the defensive line. While several defensive linemen joined the Trojans, Kyon Barrs stands out. He has played at the collegiate level since he was a true freshman, so not only is USC getting four years of experience, but USC and Barrs get the benefit of a bonus year due to the COVID-19 eligibility allowance. This is a guy who knows how to work his way onto the field; USC sorely needs that on the defensive line.
“One of the things Barrs provides is a solid base on the interior of the defensive line. How he is used in Grinch’s 3-4 and 3-3-5 base remains to be seen, but Barrs is excellent against the run and will provide tremendous support to Bear Alexander, who will occupy the zero-technique spot in the 3-4 base. There’s a reason USC was so aggressive in its recruitment of Alexander. His build and base are a perfect fit for that defense, assuming he works out. USC aimed to ensure he receives next-level development by pairing him with someone as consistent as Barrs was for Arizona.”
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