The USC Trojans' defense has not been at its best on a consistent basis this season. The unit that has been the biggest highlight on defense has been the defensive line. This unit features the Trojans' best players. When Jahkeem Stewart and Luke Wafle get going, there is a great chance of success for USC.

Here are my midseason report card grades for the USC Trojans' defensive line:

Luke Wafle - A+

Luke Wafle has been the most consistent player on the Trojans' defense. Each game, he is setting the edge, and he is the biggest highlight of the game. In back-to-back weeks, he has gotten a sack. That shows his game is on the right trajectory. He is the player opposing offenses circle and prepare the entire week. So far, no college team has slowed him down. The ceiling is extremely high for freshman Luke Wafle.

Jahkeem Stewart - A+

Just as Jide Abasiri lost his spark, Jahkeem Stewart is picking up the baton and starting to be the enforcer. He had his game-changing play against Washington. He has been a guy whose impact has gone further than the stats. Since his return, he has been the exact player he was after the bye. The Trojans' defense has been good late in games because of him. Jahkeem Stewart is the defensive player I am most excited to see after the bye.

Jide Abasiri - B+

Abasiri has been battling injuries the last few weeks, but prior to that he was one of the most disruptive defensive tackles in the country. He was living in the opposing team's backfield, making a ton of tackles for loss. He was the tone setter for the Trojans defense. If USC can get Abasiri back healthy, the Trojans defense can have the reinforcements needed to go on a run. He and Jahkeem Stewart together will be fun to watch.

Alex VanSumeren - B

He has been a stout presence on the defensive line. He has been, at best, a key veteran voice and a player who allows others to get great production. VanSumeren has not been a dominant force, but he has played his role. Every game, you know he is going to eat double teams and make a couple tackles. Jide Abasiri and Jahkeem Stewart get all the glory because of the dirty work VanSumeren does. He could be doing more, but him just playing his role has been very valuable. He has been dealing with injuries here and there, but one of his best abilities has been consistency.

Kam Crawford B-

Crawford's play has increased, and he is getting back to being a key contributor. The last few weeks have been making more plays. The bulk of his production has come in that time span. It is fair to say the start of the season has been disappointing for him. That next step has not been taken, and he has gotten overshadowed by Luke Wafle. His contribution has still been valuable, and he has a lot of time to help improve his draft stock.

Braylon Shelby - C-

Shelby has also been outshone by Wafle. So far this season, he has been at best a guy in the rotation. Want to see his sack production and pressures go up following this bye week. Unfortunately, for right now, his impact has not been that great. And his expectations to start the season just have not been met by any means.

Floyd Boucard - B

Boucard has been a nice rotational tackle for the Trojans. So far in the season, he has 9 tackles. When he gets a chance, he has shown he can make a play or 2. Right now, learning behind the veterans will help prepare him for a big Junior season.

Jamal Jarrett - B

He has specialized in his exact role. At the goal line, he has stood tall and helped the Trojans get some key stops in a few games. The Trojans do not need him to make 5-10 tackles a game. He does exactly what is asked of him, and he does not disappoint. Excited to see what more he can provide the defense moving forward this season.

Jadyn Ramos - A

To start the season, Ramos was a high-impact player. He had 2 sacks in the 2 games he played in. He is a young player Gary Patterson and the Trojans' staff have to feel really excited about. If injuries ensue on the defensive line, he should be the first player whose number gets called.