12-07-2025
USC redshirt freshman Elijah Newby discusses switching from linebacker to defensive end
As a true freshman last season, USC linebacker Elijah Newby redshirted. However, he still appeared in five games for the Trojans (four regular season games plus the Las Vegas Bowl), finishing the year with two tackles.
In 2025, Newby will look to play a bigger role for USC. However, he will be doing so at a new position, having made the switch from linebacker to defensive line during the offseason.
In a recent podcast interview with Ryan Abraham and Connor Morrissette of 247Sports, Newby discussed the decision to switch positions.
"Nothing is really gonna be handed to you in life," Newby said. "Especially on this football level. So being able to be selfless and put something bigger than me out there, and help in a[n] aspect that I wouldn't even think I would be helping in, I'm always down for.
"If that's changing positions, being that motivator on the sideline, it's whatever. I think that transition was a great transition."
USC fans will certainly appreciate Newby's team-first mindset. It will be interesting to see what impact he can make at his new position this fall.
