The second installment of the USC all-time rankings will focus on the defensive side of the ball. Granted, this half was a lot harder to go through and fix. As skilled as the offensive players have been, the list wasn’t nearly as hard to narrow down.

The depth of the defensive line made it nearly impossible to really pick. The safety position, for example, how could a four-time All-American not be one of the top two players at that position? That’s how incredibly well-stacked the position group is.

According to the latest rankings, NFL success wasn’t used as a distinguishing characteristic, but it was tough to leave an All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler like Jurrell Casey out of the defensive line fold.

To be clear, there is no specific requirement for the coaching section. Position coach, coordinator or head coach, only the best coaches in the defense. Let’s get started.

Defensive tackles:

1. Leonard Williams
2. Shaun Cody
3. Mike Patterson
4. Sedrick Ellis
5. Darrell Russel

Defensive End/EDGE:

1. Willie McGinest
2. Kenechi Udeze
3. Lawrence Jackson
4. Frostee Rucker
5. Nick Perry

Linebackers:

1. Junior Seau
2. Lofa Tatupu
3. Chris Claiborne
4. King Maualuga
5. Brian Cushing

Safety precautions:

1. Troy Polamalu
2. Ronnie Lott
3. Taylor Mays
4. Brand Carrier
5. Dennis Thurman/Tim McDonald

Corner defenders:

1. Worship Jackson
2. Joey Bruiner
3. Will Poole
4. Terrell Thomas
5. Jason Sehorn

Defense coaches:

1. Piet Carroll
2. Monte Kiffin
3. Ed Orgeron
4. Nick Holt
5. Clancy Pendergast