It was identified that the Cs could be a really proficient group this yr. USC soccer's freshmen got here into this yr with excessive expectations, however one particularly has begun to method these expectations. Luke Wafle is rising as a star for USC and certainly one of its greatest defenders.
My overreaction after Week 3 is that Luke Wafle is one of the best edge the Trojans have, and it’ll not be lengthy till he is among the greatest edges in school soccer.
Luke Wafle has finished extra than simply flash and stand out. He has but to get a sack within the first few weeks, however he has finished every part else. He has even proven he can guard an elite working again down the sector. He even regarded higher than a number of the Trojans' corners at instances. That simply goes to indicate the flexibility of this freshman. He’s barely scratching the floor of what he will be.
Within the first few weeks of the season, Wafle has 15 tackles, 1 cross deflection, and he has a run-defense grade of 90.9. He has been nice in opposition to the run, and he has been chasing quarterbacks, tallying up pressures every recreation at a excessive degree. The Trojans' protection would haven’t any shot with out this freshman off the sting.
The Trojans want their veterans Kam Crawford and Braylon Shelby to step up for this protection to be dominant. They should give Wafle actual help, each in opposition to Oregon and for the remainder of the 2026 season. That time can't be acknowledged sufficient this week. Nevertheless, it is vitally spectacular and inspiring that Wafle has produced and actually taken the lead as one of the best participant off the sting for USC. As his improvement continues, the Trojans could have among the finest edge rushers within the nation.
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