Junior defensive tackle Jide Abasiri has rose to the ocasion in the midst of injuries on No. 12 USC Trojans’ defense. Through four games, Abasiri has 11 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, two quarterback-hits while being a top graded player according to Pro Football Focus.
Following practice on Sept. 23, Abasiri opened up about how fellow defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart’s absence has impacted the defense, the game plan for Dante Moore and Oregon’s offense, the importance of the big game and how the defensive line can improve in Week 4.
The Trojans’ defense has been without their 2025 breakout star Jahkeem Stewart for four-consecutive games. Following pratice on Sept. 22, coach Lincoln Riley shared that the sophomore defensive lineman was expected to play in Week 3 versus Louisiana, but he’s pre-game warmups did not go “perfect.”
His status for the Oregon game will continue to be monitored. In the mean time, Abasiri has stepped up as the disruptor in the interior but admits Stewart’s absence is felt on the line.
“Yeah, obviously it, you know, it affects him, you know, no one wants to not play obviously. But he's done a great job of being there for all of us, coaching us ...