LOS ANGELES — USC cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson might be “Dad” to his 3-year-old son, but he’s “Unc” to his teammates on the Trojans’ defense.

“From not even just football, but all the way around in all conversations, these guys are funny,” Nicholson said of the defense. “I definitely look at some of them like little nephews. Some of them are Unc’s right with me.”

USC’s defense has taken steps forward and backward throughout this season. The youth throughout multiple position groups, especially, has changed how veteran players like Nicholson as well as defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn view leadership.

Lynn has adapted his coaching techniques to accommodate the younger or less-experienced players who have been thrust into roles this season, including underclassman linebackers Desman St

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