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Jaylin Smith Stepping Up as USC Seeks More Production at Nickel

Erik-McKinneyby:Erik McKinney•04/08/23•

ErikTMcKinney

USC Trojans defensive back Jaylin Smith (19) celebrates during the college football game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the USC Trojans
USC Trojans defensive back Jaylin Smith (19) celebrates during the college football game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the USC Trojans (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

USC needed more production from its nickel position on defense last season. Now, that previous sentence could be reconstructed by replacing "nickel" with any of the other 10 positions on the USC defense and each time it would be true. But nickel is one of those spots in this Trojan defense that requires multiple skill sets. And it's a key position when it comes to impact and productivity.

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