Like Father, Like Son: USC Safety Urlacher Becoming a Star

Like his father before him, USC Trojans safety Kennedy Urlacher is working hard and making a name for himself on the football field.

The name Urlacher is synonymous with greatness in the game of football. Kennedy’s father, Brian Urlacher, was an All-American at New Mexico, where they retired his No. 44 jersey.

In 2000, he was drafted ninth overall by the Chicago Bears, and it did not take long for Urlacher to make his presence felt, as he was named Defensive Rookie of the Year. Six years later, he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and was an eight-time Pro Bowler.

At 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, the young Urlacher was a four-star recruit in high school in Arizona. According to 247 Sports, Urlacher was a Top 100 safety nationally. He signed with Notre Dame. After seeing action in 14 games with the Fighting Irish, Urlacher transferred to USC (6-1). 

Last season, Urlacher played in 13 games and earned three starts. He collected 26 tackles, one tackle for loss, one tackle for loss, one sack, one interception, and one pass break up.

In the 31-23 win over Penn State, Urlacher posted three tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss. Through seven games, Urlacher has 21 tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks (leads the team), one forced fumble and one pass break up. Urlacher has posted multiple tackles in six of their seven games this season.

Penn State’s loss to the Trojans was their third straight defeat, with all three losses coming in the conference.

Urlacher is thriving under first-year defensive coordinator Gary Patterson, one of the best defensive minds in college football.

Under Patterson, Urlacher and the Trojans are ranked in top 30 nationally in rush defense (111 yards/game), sacks (15), and opponents 3rd down conversions (32 percent).

Against Penn State, the Trojans allowed only 68 yards rushing and a touchdown, 2.19 yards per carry. In addition, Penn State was held to just 2-of-12 on 3rd down conversions. Urlacher recorded one of the two sacks for the Trojans.

Currently in a bye week, USC will next travel again to take on the Wisconsin Badgers on Oct. 24. The Badgers are a middle of the pack or bottom tier squad offensively, but do have a 4-1 record this season. Wisconsin is undefeated (2-0) in the Big Ten, with wins over Penn State and Michigan State.