It seemed odd recently when linebacker Keith Rivers held a press conference to announce he would return for his senior season when he had no intention of going pro. Apparently, Rivers was advised holding the press conference would help raise his profile for next season and increase pre-season buzz.
Monthly Archives: January 2007
End Of An Era?
Over the past few years, USC’s offense always featured a player that broke down a defense with one play. Reggie Bush is the perfect example, but LenDale White, Mike Williams and Dwayne Jarrett are other examples.
Perhaps the biggest question going into next season is whether USC even has a player like that anymore? Former offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said USC’s losses this season weren’t much different than games the previous two years, except the Trojans no longer had Bush to rescue them.
Now you can say the same about Jarrett. Click here to see who I would have to pick for the best big-play candidate next season then feel free to list your own candidate.
Quiet Weekend
USC did not have any recruits in this weekend while UCLA hosted just one, Verbum Dei defensive end Justin Edison, who already committed to Oregon State.
Not To Be Confused with Johnnie Morton
New Orleans Saints assistant coach John Morton interviewed for the vacancy on the coaching staff following Lane Kiffin’s departure to the Raiders. Morton, 37, was interviewed to be the Trojans’ wide receivers coach. He is the offensive assistant/passing game assistant for the Saints and also worked for the Oakland Raiders.
Too Late
A natural hire for the current opening on the coaching staff would be former USC wide receivers coach Kirby Wilson. However, Wilson was recently hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Sighting Of The Day
Matt Leinart at a trendy Hollywood club on Friday night minus Paris Hilton, Britney Spears or Tara Reid.
Rent Check
If you want to rent the Galen Center for an evening, say a birthday party for 10,000 of your closest friends, it will cost you $30,000. That’s $15,000 for the arena and $15,000 for staff.
Another Lure
Recruits are being shown drawings of the new football complex to be built behind Heritage Hall. The new complex will house offices, a weight room, locker room and an outdoor plaza. I’m just wondering if it will be called the Peter C. Carroll Center.
Close Call
We hear Oaks Christian cornerback Anthony Gildon still favors Oregon but USC is closing fast.
Today’s Plan
We hear the current options for the opening on the coaching staff are to either hire a veteran offensive coordinator to assist Steve Sarkisian or to hire a wide receivers coach.