The 2023 USC Trojans season didn't go as many thought it would. They were severely underwhelming on all phases of the ball, especially on defense. It was terrible in 2022, but at least they forced turnovers. In 2023, they couldn't stop a nosebleed, and their ability to turn the ball was gone.
Although it wasn't pretty, it didn't mean some individual players were also bad. USC redshirt senior and edge rusher Solomon Byrd was among the lone bright spots for the team and the defense. He certainly did his part on the defensive side, as he earned an 81 PFF grade for his position.
Byrd's 81 grade is ranked 38th in his position in 2023.
In the season, he recorded 49 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six sacks, one pass defended, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 13 games.
He declared for the draft a handful of weeks ago, as he did all he could in the college game. Byrd's chances of being drafted aren't high, but with a great combine, that could all change.
An 81 grade is solid after a robust individual year, and he will be dearly missed in the Cardinal red and gold.
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