His Role Is to Star, Not Start

Next up at USC, a cornerback controversy?

Not really, but sophomore Antuan Simmons, one of the stars of the Purdue game, isn’t even a starter, playing behind senior Ken Haslip.

Simmons got plenty of playing time as USC’s nickel back against Purdue’s wide-open attack and figures to do the same Sept. 12 against San Diego State, another passing team.

“The way I look at it, we have three starters,” secondary coach Dennis Thurman said.

All Simmons did was make an interception, force a fumble that led to USC’s final touchdown, make nine tackles and block a field-goal attempt that would have put Purdue up by 10 points at halftime.

“He just has a knack,” Thurman said. “He’s explosive. We feel he could possibly have gotten another field goal, if he laid out.”

Simmons started all but one game last season, playing rover linebacker and strong safety. With Brian Kelly in the NFL, he moved to corner and said he’s OK with playing behind Haslip for now.

“He’s a senior, he worked hard in the off-season, and he deserves to start,” Simmons said. “If they want me to play a role all season, I’ll do it.”