Stanley Ta’ofo’ou, who was not helped by Alex Grinch, leaves USC

The transfer portal continues to spin with the spring portal window now open. Just before the USC football spring game on Saturday, April 20, defensive lineman Stanley Ta’ufo’ou has entered the portal. Ta’ufo’ou never blossomed with the USC Trojans. Part of the reason for that is that Ta’ufo’ou played under Alex Grinch, who wanted speed, agility, and mobility to be the main attributes for his defensive players.

We have seen a shift in USC’s philosophy and approach under Lincoln Riley this offseason. D’Anton Lynn, Eric Henderson, Matt Entz, and Doug Belk have come in as defensive assistant coaches. There is a new focus on getting big and powerful in the trenches. Ta’ufo’ou wasn’t able to benefit from that change in method.

Trojans Wire wrote about this earlier in 2024:

“USC opted for smaller, quicker linemen under Alex Grinch. This strategy regularly saw Stanley Ta’ufo’ou (6-2 / 275) lining up at defensive tackle and De’jon Benton (6-1 / 270) at nose tackle. The roster turnover has started as USC looks to get more stout along the defensive line. The Trojans will often be facing 12, 13 and 22 personnel in the Big Ten with the plan to run the ball right at the Trojans. USC is seeking help in the transfer portal.”

SOURCE: #USC DL Stanley Ta’ufo’ou is officially in the NCAA Transfer Portal.

He was not with the team for spring camp @247SportsPortal

— Chris Treviño (@ChrisNTrevino) April 16, 2024