Young Defense Making an Impression

USC’s defense isn’t only good, it’s good and young.

There are only three senior starters--standout cornerback Brian Kelly and defensive linemen Cedric Jefferson and George Perry.

Sophomore linebacker Chris Claiborne is one of the leaders of a defense that leads the Pacific 10 in rushing defense and already has 16 sacks in three games--4 1/2 of them by redshirt freshman Sultan Abdul-Malik.

Junior safety Rashard Cook is USC’s leading tackler with 22 and has six tackles for losses, and Cook and sophomore Chad Morton have each intercepted a pass and forced at least one fumble.

“We have some young players on defense: Chad Morton’s a sophomore, Antuan Simmons is a freshman, Sultan Abdul-Malik is just gangbusters,” Coach John Robinson said. “Ennis Davis is doing some good things, and Aaron Williams, and they’re really playing for the first time.”

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Adam Abrams staged a comeback in the kicking competition, making four of four from 32 yards.

Adam Rendon made two of four from 32 yards with a narrow miss.

Rendon is usually called on in games only for long-range field goal attempts, but Robinson opened the job for competition this week after Abrams missed an extra-point and a 34-yard field goal try against California.

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Offensive tackle Phalen Pounds didn’t practice because of his strained shoulder but is optimistic he’ll be able to play Saturday against Nevada Las Vegas.

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NEXT FOR USC

WHO: Nevada Las Vegas

WHERE: Coliseum

TIME: Saturday, 7:10 p.m.

TV: Fox Sports West 2

RADIO: KLSX-FM (97.1)