Eric Gentry commits to USC
USC landed another potential impact player via the transfer portal as former Arizona State linebacker Eric Gentry announced his commitment to the Trojans.
Gentry was an immediate contributor to the Sun Devils as a true freshman in 2021. The 6-foot-6, 200-pound linebacker started the final three games for Arizona State. As a first-year player, he finished with 45 tackles, a sack and two pass deflections while playing in 13 games.
Gentry would have been a likely starter at Arizona State next season. He entered the transfer portal on April 21 and was in attendance at USC’s spring game.
Gentry’s fit at USC
Gentry’s long frame makes him look more like a basketball player than a linebacker, but there is no questioning the talent or instincts from the Philadelphia native. He was listed as the backup at strongside linebacker for Arizona State, but got most of his playing time as an injury replacement for weakside linebacker Darien Butler. Arizona State’s 4-3 defense kept him mostly in the middle of the field. That’s his likely destination at USC, where he could come in and push returning starter Ralen Goforth for playing time.
Gentry looks comfortable in coverage and has a nose for the ball. That frame allows him to flash into throwing windows and he’s not afraid to get involved in a tackle.
USC’s linebacker positions improved this spring but the Trojans needed to add talented players in the front seven via the transfer portal.
Former Alabama linebacker Shane Lee made himself at home at middle linebacker this spring. Former Auburn edge defender Romello Height took over as the starter at rush end. Gentry is the third linebacker addition out of the transfer portal this offseason. The Trojans also saw improved play from Goforth and Raesjon Davis throughout spring. And Tuasivi Nomura tied for the team high with four tackles during USC’s spring game.
USC’s Transfer Portal Success
This makes 15 additions via the transfer portal for the USC Trojans this offseason. Thirteen of those participated in the just-completed spring ball. The 14th was announced earlier Friday, in the form of former Ohio State safety Bryson Shaw.
Here’s a look at the incoming transfers so far.
RBs Travis Dye and Austin Jones
WR Brenden Rice, Terrell Bynum and Mario Williams
DL Earl Barquet and Tyrone Taleni
EDGE Romello Height
LB Shane Lee and Eric Gentry
CBs Mekhi Blackmon and Latrell McCutchin
S Bryson Shaw
