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All-Pete Carroll Team: Defense

As promised, we now take a look at the All-Pete Carroll team from a defensive prospective. Since arriving on campus Pete has made it a point to be a defensive football team. Aside from the 2005 group (they still weren't all that bad), the defenses Pete has put together have been among the best in the nation. Let's take a look at some of the players Pete was able to coach.

Kenechi Udeze, DE - One of those guys who had no choice but to leave a year earlier. He was too good for too long and still had a year of eligibility left. He was the star member of the 'Wild Bunch' in 2002. He led the team in sacks in both '02 and 2003. He helped USC win two BCS bowls and part of a championship in '03. After his career at USC, Udeze went on to become a first round selection for the Minnesota Vikings.

Lawrence Jackson, DE - One of Pete Carroll's most prized recruits, Jackson was a local five-star talent who decided to stay home. Jackson was a four-year starter for the Trojans and started 51 of 52 games. He ended his career with 30.5 sacks and flirted with numerous All-American teams three out of his four seasons. Jackson went to four Rose Bowls and an Orange Bowl while on campus. In 2008 Jackson was selected in the first round by the Seattle Seahawks where he is now re-connected with Pete Carroll.

Second Team - Everson Griffin, Frostee Rucker

Sedrick Ellis, DT - Before becoming a top-10 pick for the New Orleans Saints, Ellis anchored the SC D-Line for three years as a starter. Capping off his final year with 8.5 sacks, Ellis won several awards and was included on multiple All-American lists. In his four years as a Trojan, Ellis played in three Rose Bowls and an Orange Bowl. Ellis was rewarded for this stellar career at USC with a top-10 selection in the 2008 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints.

Mike Patterson, DT - "Fat Pat" was a staple on the front line in Pete Carroll's early days. Aside from becoming an All-American at USC, Patterson helped the Trojans to two national championships during his three years as a starter. Patterson's career at SC eventually led to his first round selection by the Philadelphia Eagles. He is still currently on the Eagles and is a full-time starter.

Second Team : Shawn Cody, Jurrell Casey

Keith Rivers, WLB - Rivers was one of Carroll's most prized recruits. Winning a battle over Florida, Carroll slapped the historic #55 jersey on Rivers. The jersey number is saved for elite linebackers at USC and is considered one of the highest honors for the team. Overall, Rivers' career saw multiple awards, an All-American selection and several BCS games. Rivers went on to become the first-round selection for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008.

Lofa Tatupu, MLB - A transfer from Maine, Tatupu may be considered the best linebacker to play under Carroll. Leaving a year early, Tatupu started two years for the Trojans and would have started a third. He was the heartbeat for the Trojans defense that won back-to-back national championships. After his junior year, Tatupu was selected 45th overall by the Seattle Seahawks where he is now re-kindled with Pete Carroll.

Brian Cushing , SLB - Cushing was part of one of the most distinguished linebacker units in college football history. He started four consecutive Rose Bowls for the Trojans and took home the MVP honors in the 2007 game. He was a first-team All-American in 2008 and capped off his career with 377 tackles and 18 sacks. After starring at USC, Cushing went on to become the 15th overall pick by the Houston Texans in the 2009 NFL Draft. In his first year with the Texans he won the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Second team : Rey Malauga, Clay Matthews, Matt Grootegoed

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Terrell Thomas, CB - After sitting out due to injury during the 2005 season, Thomas was able to reclaim his spot as strong-side cornerback in 2006 and 2007. Responsible for shutting down half the field, Thomas only allowed 29.8% of the passes thrown his way to be completed in his senior season. Overall Thomas's career saw two Second-Team All-Pac10 honors and four BCS bowls. In 2008 Thomas was selected in the second-round of the NFL Draft to the New York Giants. Thomas is currently starting on the Giants and has quietly become one of the league's best cornerbacks.

Eric Wright, CB - Unfortunately Wright's career at USC was short-lived. Due to off-field issues, Wright transferred to UNLV after playing only one season at SC. After redshirting his first year, Wright started every game for the Trojans in 2004, capping his career with a four tackle and one interception game in the 2005 Orange Bowl that gave USC its second consecutive title. Wright now plays on the Cleveland Browns where he is a full-time starter after being selected in the second-round of the 2007 NFL draft.

Second Team : Josh Pinkard, Shareece Wright

Taylor Mays, FS - There are too many All-American teams and awards to credit Mays with. He was a rare four-year starter for the Trojans and used his freakish athleticism to succeed in the Trojan's defensive backfield. Mays played in three Rose Bowls for the Trojans, winning all three. After electing to stay for his senior year, Mays and the Trojans had a difficult 2009 campaign. Mays was still selected in the second-round of the 2010 NFL draft to the San Francisco 49ers. He won the starting free safety role after only three games.

Troy Polamalu, SS - Polamalu finished his stellar career at USC as a three-year starter and the school's first two-time All-American since Tony Boselli. Overall Polamalu was responsible for 278 tackles, 6 interceptions and 4 blocked punts. Known for playing close to the line of scrimmage, even from the safety position, Polamalu left his mark on and off the field as he was voted the most Inspirational Player by his teammates. Polamalu was also a key contributor to restoring glory at USC. He is currently enjoying a Hall of Fame career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Second Team : Kevin Ellison, Darnell Bing

That concludes the All-Pete Carroll team. We salute those who made the nine years under Pete ones to remember. There may have been three Heisman winners under Carroll, but Carroll will be remembered most for the defensive teams and schemes he brought to the field each year. Overall it would be interesting to see if any other coach has been able to put together this much talent in a decade span.

By Mick Moody
Pac10-Fans.com USC Trojans Correspondent