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USC adds another key transfer in former North Carolina State safety Bishop Fitzgerald

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney01/14/25ErikTMcKinney
NCAA Football: Northern Illinois at North Carolina State
Sep 28, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies wide receiver Cam Thompson (0) dodges North Carolina State Wolfpack saftey Bishop Fitzgerald (7) at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans added another transfer portal piece to the defensive backfield as former North Carolina State safety Bishop Fitzgerald will be suiting up in cardinal and gold this fall.

The 6-foot, 202-pound safety recorded 55 tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss in 2024. He was a constant presence around the ball with eight pass breakups and three interceptions. He also added a forced fumble as he earned All-ACC Honorable Mention.

USC lost a ton of experience in the defensive backfield this offseason as starting safety Akili Arnold, starting nickel Greedy Vance Jr. and starting cornerbacks Jaylin Smith and Jacobe Covington all exhausted their eligibility.

The Trojans found a likely starting corner in former San Jose State defender DJ Harvey and also welcomed back starting safety Kamari Ramsey, who would have been an NFL Draft selection. Now, Fitzgerald gives the Trojans another veteran safety option to team with Ramsey in the backfield. He should also offer some versatility as he showed last season he could line up in the box, at deep safety or in the slot.

Fitzgerald started 12 games for North Carolina State in 2024 and four games during the 2023 season.

He began his career with the Wolfpack as the top-ranked junior college safety in the country out of Coffeyville CC.

This is another big offseason addition to a USC defense that has grabbed a few so far. In addition to Harvey and now Fitzgerald in the secondary, the Trojans’ front seven got better in bringing in former Kentucky defensive tackle Keeshawn Silver and former Georgia defensive tackle Jamaal Jarrett.

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz