Georgia Tech’s loss is USC’s gain as the Jackets lost a transfer commitment to Lincoln Riley and company. Defensive lineman Solomon Byrd committed to Georgia Tech in late April after he announced his decision to transfer from Wyoming. Byrd is a 6-foot-4 defensive end that specializes in rushing the passer and wreaking havoc. However, he’ll be doing his work in LA instead of Atlanta.
Byrd was rated as an All-American by the FWAA in 2019. Byrd is a junior with two years of eligibility remaining but hails from Southern California so this will be another transfer portal addition heading home. And the lure of heading home once USC offered was too much to pass up.
Byrd was not recruited highly out of high school being a two star recruit and not really on any national radar. However, something clicked at Wyoming and he seemed to become a difference maker overnight. During his career, he had 155 total tackles, 75 solo tackles and averaged 6.5 tackles per game as a defensive end. His career totals included 16.0 sacks and six forced fumbles. He also played tight end and had 15 career receptions for 209 yards, averaging 13.9 yards per reception. He’s clearly an exceptional athlete.
The Trojans have been making impact addition after impact addition and Byrd is no different. Lincoln Riley needed to improve the pass rush and adding Byrd is exactly what this defense needed.
On an impact level he’s a four star transfer recruit. I expect Byrd to start right away and make Pac-12 quarterbacks rush throws and run away from his side of the defensive line. Obviously the Pac-12 is a step up in competition but It is not the premier conference for offensive line play so he should be able to replicate some of the success he had at Wyoming.
