USC spring football review: Safeties
<p>USC spring practice review: Gary Klein and Lindsey Thiry discuss the defense.</p>
End-of-spring safety depth chart for the USC football team:
Starters: Junior Leon McQuay or third-year sophomore Chris Hawkins and sophomore John Plattenburg
Backups: Senior Ryan Dillard and third-year sophomore Matt Lopes
Incoming: Freshman Marvell Tell and Ykili Ross
Review: Depth is a concern at the position. Only three scholarship players were available.
McQuay and Hawkins alternated reps at free safety.
Coach Steve Sarkisian said McQuay, who lost his starting position to Plattenburg before the Holiday Bowl, “elevated his game” and was playing with more confidence.
Hawkins moved from cornerback and appeared to improve.
Plattenburg — listed at strong safety — participated in practices despite an ankle injury but was sidelined for the spring game. Sarkisian said he played “fast and physical.”
Tell and Ross will join the team in training camp and could contribute immediately.
Questions about USC? Email me at LNThiry@gmail.com or tweet @LindseyThiry and I will respond to select messages in a weekly USC Now mailbag.
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