The USC linebackers have an unforgettable position coach in Rex Ryan, who burst onto the scene last season with his enthusiasm for the group and energetic ability to entertain reporters with stories.

Ryan, in his first season as the Trojans’ linebackers coach, was dealt a tough hand of mostly young, inexperienced players. Eric Gentry was a leader for the group in his final season of eligibility, but his talent and intangibles weren’t enough to lift them to an exceptional season.

The Trojans struggled to make tackles and didn’t record a tackling grade from Pro Football Focus over 63% in their last four games.

The team also lost two of its most promising linebacking prospects in freshman AJ Tuitele and Matai Tagoa’i, who both transferred to other schools.

But there is hope. Desman Stephens II will return after his first full season at middle linebacker. He led the team in tackles with 59, and he was given the green dot in multiple games. USC also gains a high-potential backer in Deven Bryant, a transfer from Washington who finished last season with 62 total tackles and two pass breakups.

Whoever is hired as USC’s next defensive coordinator can make his mark — and probably earn job security — if he’s able to mold the linebacking corps into a tough, high-tackling group.

As the first transfer-portal window has wrapped – although exceptions are always possible – here’s a full breakdown of the movement in USC’s linebacker room entering spring, the fifth in a seven-part series examining the post-portal scholarship outlook for every part of the roster.

Returning: Ta’Mere Robinson, R-Soph.; Desman Stephens, Soph.; Elijah Newby, R-Fr.; Jadyn Walker, R-Fr.; Nick De Fina, Jr.; Roman Marchetti, R-Jr.

Arriving: Talanoa Ili (Hawaii); Shaun Scott (Mater Dei); Taylor Johnson (Cajon); Deven Bryan (transfer, Washington)

Departing: Eric Gentry, R-Sr. (eligibility); Ryan Quintanar, R-Sr. (eligibility); AJ Tuitele, Fr. (portal, Cal); Matai Tagoa’i, Fr. (portal, Arizona)

Who can replace Eric Gentry’s leadership?

USC is in need of a stud middle linebacker with talent and a punchy personality who the USC defense can rally around. Gentry had both of those things, but is moving on to the NFL after exhausting his eligibility.

Deven Bryant, who was third on the Huskies in tackles, might end up in that position. He’s a Southern California product who prepped at St. John Bosco, so he likely already has connections with teammates. There are two other Bosco grads on the roster in cornerback Marcelles Williams and defensive tackle Kobe Pepe.

Jadyn Walker earned the start in the Alamo Bowl game and finished with four total tackles. He’s likely to start next season, and reserve linebackers Ta’Mere Robinson and Elijah Newby could compete for playing time — and respect from teammates.

Will Stephens wear the green dot?

Safety Kamari Ramsey was the go-to for the green dot this season, which allowed him to wear an in-game headset that provides a direct line of communication with the defensive coordinator. Ramsey had playing experience and a deep connection with defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, making him a perfect candidate.

Now that Ramsey is taking his next steps into a professional career, the coaching staff will have to find a new player to relay defensive calls.

Ramsey did not play in the Illinois, Oregon, UCLA or TCU games this season and when he wasn’t available, Stephens was given the green dot. It was a major sign of trust in the Michigan man who had previously played defensive back.

This decision could be contingent on who becomes the defensive coordinator. That coach may see potential in a position group other than the linebackers. Different coaches can click with different players, and that player-coach relationship goes a long way.