USC Trojans Safety Reveals 'Special' Bond with Position Group

Fitzgerald's debut with the Trojans saw four total tackles, one pass defended and an interception returned for a touchdown.

Fitzgerald is among the transfers that has immediately made an impact on the program. In USC's home-opening win over Missouri State, his pick six helped set the tone for the rest of the game.

Among his position room, Fitzgerald's talent adds depth alongside other safeties including Kamari Ramsey , Christian Pierce and Kennedy Urlacher.

During Monday's Trojans Live episode, Fitzgerald shared the immediate camaraderie among his group, and how it's made his time with the Trojans especially meaningful.

"In terms of me feeling like a family, this was the quickest it's ever felt. The first few weeks, I spent more time than I have at any of my last school," Fitzgerald said on Trojans Live. "We're so tight bonded in (the safety) group, it's special."

The Woodbridge, Virginia native began his collegiate career at Coffeyville Junior College in Coffeyville, Kansas where he recorded 50 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions and one returned for a pick six.

Fitzgerald spent one season with Coffeyville before transferring to NC State, where he was a No. 10 ranked JUCO prospect and No. 1 overall JUCO safety by 247Sports.

In Fitzgerald's two seasons with the Wolfpack, he produced 97 total tackles, five interceptions for 47 yards and a forced fumble.

What Should Fans Expect from Fitzgerald This Season?

In week 1 against Missouri State, Trojan fans were able to see the skill that Fitzgerald adds to the secondary unit, and left fans hopeful for what Fitzgerald can add to the defense this season.

Fitzgerald also discussed the read on his pick six, and credited his defensive mentors for his moment in the end zone.

"Yeah, it was a look. As soon as I saw the motion, I knew they wanted to throw that dig right behind it. So, it was really just trusting what I saw on film and what Coach Lynn and Coach Belk prepared me for," Fitzgerald said on Trojans Live. "They prepared me for that moment. So, I really just trusted my instincts there and you know, you saw what happened."

Having a veteran in Ramsey will also be beneficial to Fitzgerald. Both are explosive, instinctive secondary talents that can disrupt offensive gains before it develops.

Especially under the defensive leadership of D'Anton Lynn and defensive backs coach Doug Belk, Fitzgerald's skill paired with Lynn and Belk's defensive mind and Ramsey's talent point toward a strong season for the Trojans secondary unit.