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USC loses defensive star Eric Gentry to redshirt decision
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USC standout linebacker Eric Gentry announced that he’s going to redshirt the rest of the 2024 season after suffering “a series of concussions in a short period of time,” the senior said Tuesday.
“This decision has not been easy,” Gentry wrote on social media. “But after thoughtful consideration and discussions with my family and the coaching staff, I know it’s the right choice for my well-being and long-term health.”
Gentry had been a tackling machine this season for the Trojans, registering 30 total tackles, 22 of them solo, 2 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He’s a freak of nature size-wise at 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, but the pounding that he’s taken this season was too much to turn away from, and now Gentry will turn his focus toward recovering and coming back stronger than ever in 2025.
The star defender transferred to USC in 2022 after 1 season at Arizona State. He noted in his social media post that his decision to redshirt did not have anything to do with playing time or name, image and likeness opportunities, and Gentry expressed a deep love for the Trojans and vowed to continue supporting his teammates from the sidelines.
Gentry collected his gaudy numbers this season while playing in just 4 games, but he couldn’t be available for his team like he wanted to because of the concussions. He’s made this decision to step away and start his recovery process.