The USC Trojans Cornerback Jaylin Smith has been described as a “Swiss Army Knife” because of his versatility in the secondary.

Before arriving on campus in 2021, Smith was a outstanding cornerbackreceiver and running back at Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills (CA). Smith moved into the secondary his first three seasons for the Trojans, playing nickel, cornerback, strong safety and free safety for two different defensive coordinators before D’Anton Lynn was hired last December.

When asked what position fits Smith best before the season, Lynn said, “it’s a defensive back.” Smith learned all five positions in the secondary during spring practice and fall camp in Lynn’s scheme before settling into his new full-time cornerback role in 2024.

“Toughness, he’s super competitive,” Lynn said. “Even if a ball is caught by him, he’s always there. He tackles well, can blitz, does just about anything. And just getting him out, I think it’s an added advantage for our defense.”

Smith’s physicality in run support helped set the tone for the Trojans and may have saved the game in their win over the LSU Tigers in season opener.

Late in the fourth quarter, with the Trojans leading by three, the Tigers drove into the red zone. On first down, Smith beat a block from tight end Mason Taylor and made an excellent open field stop on running back John Emery Jr. for just a two gain. The offense saved a touchdown as Smith was the only player standing between Emery Jr. and the end zone. Back-to-back incompletions by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier on second and third down forced LSU to settle for a field goal that tied the game.

USC got the ball back with 1:47 left in regulation and quarterback Miller Moss designed a winning game that was completed by a Woody Marks A 13-yard run into the end zone with eight seconds left to give the Trojans a 27-20 upset win.

On the season, Smith totaled 42 tackles, including three for loss, two pass breakups and an interception.

The Palmdale native has been by far the Trojans’ most consistent player in coverage this season, to the point where teams sometimes shied away from the senior and attacked whoever was lined up at the opposite cornerback position.

Smith’s ability to fill different roles in the secondary will make him an intriguing prospect for April’s NFL draft. Smith is projected to be a mid-round NFL Draft selection.