Linebacker Shane Lee Will Return to USC in 2023
USC linebacker Shane Lee said after practice on Friday that he will be back with the Trojans for the 2023 season. The fourth-year linebacker previously participated in Senior Day activities ahead of USC’s final home game against Notre Dame, calling into question whether he would use his Covid season and remain with the Trojans for a second season.
“I’m staying,” Lee said. “I just like what we’re building here. I’m comfortable here. I’m excited for what’s to come. And I want to be a part of that. I want to help build it and be a part of it. Continue what we started.”
Lee came to USC from Alabama last January and made an immediate impact in the locker room and on the field. He became a team leader within his first few days on campus and grabbed a starting linebacker spot during the spring. Lee was elected a team captain this fall and led the Trojans with 75 tackles despite missing one game due to injury and playing several others with a cast on his hand. He recorded 2.5 sacks, picked off two passes and totaled 6.5 tackles for loss.
Lee said he knew he arrived at USC with two years of eligibility remaining but never knew whether he’d use both of them.
The veteran linebacker said head coach Lincoln Riley was pleased when he told him of his decision.
“We talked before I came here about building something,” Lee said. “This is just a continuation of that. I really am excited. I’m happy to see the new pieces we’re going to bring in. And how we’re going to keep building and how we’re going to keep climbing.”
Lee Helps Continue the Build
Lee will likely be front and center this offseason as USC looks to add more pieces via the transfer portal. The Trojans brought in nearly two dozen new faces. The Trojans absolutely would not have recorded 11 wins and a berth in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl without that haul. It included Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, running backs Travis Dye and Austin Jones, wide receiver Jordan Addison, cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, linebacker Eric Gentry and Lee.
Lee was commitment No. 12 of USC’s 20-player haul from the transfer portal. Now, he’ll already be in the building as the Trojans look to build their 2023 roster.
“Everybody who’s coming through is definitely getting that same talk as far as the culture and what we’re trying to do,” Lee said. “Making sure we’re all on the same page as far as the vision that we have here.”
