WATCH: Calen Bullock's Pick 6 Against Rice
USC safety Calen Bullock is expected to be a leader for the Trojans’ defense this season. In the first half against Rice, the sophomore provided the biggest play on that side of the ball.
In the second quarter, Rice was driving and facing a 21-7 deficit. On fourth-and-two from the USC 13-yard line, Owl quarterback Riley Green looked to have an open receiver in the flat. The pass bounced off the hands of the Rice receiver, however, and Bullock was more than happy to collect the ricochet.
Bullock raced 93 yards for a touchdown to push the USC lead to 28-7 with 8:05 left in the second quarter.
In a way, he set up his own touchdown opportunity. That Rice drive got off to a terrible start for the Trojans. One the first play, running back Cameron Montgomery broke through the line and looked like he’d go untouched for a 75-yard touchdown. It was Bullock who eventually tracked him down and made the tackle at the 20-yard line. Montgomery received the ball on a carry on the following snap and Bullock again made the tackle on second down. He was there again on fourth down to make his big play.
Bullock A Second-Year Star
Early in fall camp, Bullock spoke about his comfort level in the defense and with himself becoming a vocal leader in the secondary.
He’s looking to improve upon a fantastic true freshman season when he logged 40 tackles and two interceptions. Last year, he became the first USC true freshman to start a season-opener at safety since 2013, when Su’a Cravens did so.
This offseason, quarterback Caleb Williams specifically mentioned Bullock as an offseason standout. Wide receiver Jordan Addison also mentioned Bullock a number of times as a defender who caught his attention.
