Troy Polamalu, Stafon Johnson Among Pro Day Visitors

Here some of the former USC players who worked out today: RB Stafon Johnson, RB Chauncey Washington, TE Dominique Byrd, CB Kevin Thomas, WR Travon Patterson, WR Brandon Carswell, DT Christian Tupou.

And here’s some former USC players in attendance: Troy Polamalu, Billy Miller, Curtis Conway. And other NFL types: Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie, Jacksonville coach Gus Bradley, Cleveland Browns’ offensive coordinator Norv Turner, St. Louis Rams GM Les Snead.

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More On Matt Barkley’s Workout

The quarterback did pretty much what he did in most USC practices. He had a few passes that were underthrown and a couple overthrown but probably helped himself just because he was healthy for NFL teams.

“He was exactly what I saw on tape,” NFL analyst Mike Mayock said.

Mayock projects Barkley as a late-first round draft pick.

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Matt Barkley Recap

The QB completed 56 of 62 passes with two drops and four overthrown passes, mostly on deep balls.
“It felt good to be back here,” Barkley said. “A lot of the proof is in the tape.”

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Some Unofficial 40 Times At Pro Day

USC QB Matt Barkley ran a 4.91 and 4.98. Nickell Robey broke 4.4 in his first 40 and then went 4.46 on his second with a slight stumble. So he did much better than at the combine.

Curtis McNeal ran a 4.55 in the 40. Former USC tailbacks Stafon Johnson and Chauncey Washington are also working out for NFL teams today.

 

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Who Is Using USC?

Steve Alford gets a 10-year contract extension. Jamie Dixon gets a 10-year contract extension. Josh Pastner gets a contract extension. Anyone who gets mentioned as a candidate at USC seems to get an extension.

I mentioned on twitter that I considered Pastner more of a hustler than a coach, so I don’t think USC lost out there. But now the search gets to the part where I doubt Pat Haden enjoys it because the A-list candidates are evaporating.

That means USC might still get a great coach but it will either be through luck (like Pete Carroll) or timing. And I’m sure Tim Floyd is smiling right now watching the candidates disappear.

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USC Morning Buzz

Today is Pro Day, which you can watch on the NFL Network or ESPN3.com. The indoor portion of Pro Day (weightlifting) can be viewed here around 10:25 a.m.

I will go out on a limb and predict Matt Barkley says he did “great” in the passing portion of Pro Day. He will be throwing to wide receiver Robert Woods, who looks like he is moving into the first round.

Meanwhile, for more on Marqise Lee’s knee injury and a recap of Tuesday’s practice, click here.

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Max Wittek Gets Tutored

USC QB Max Wittek went to San Diego last week and worked out with quarterback coach George Whitfield, who also tutored Cam Newton and Andrew Luck before the past two NFL drafts.

Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd was also there last week.

“(Whitfield) had a lot of wisdom,” Wittek said. “I learned never to get complacent and always feel like you’re climbing.”

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Graduate Assistant Hired To Work With Secondary

Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast hired former Kansas State safety Kyle Williams as a graduate assistant to help coach the secondary. Pendergast will also coach the secondary, which is why USC does not have a full-time coach.

But it needs defensive graduate assistants because there are six full-time offensive coaches and only three full-time defensive coaches. And if you count Lane Kiffin, there are seven full-time offensive coaches.

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Marqise Lee Still Out Of Practice

It looks like wide receiver Marqise Lee could be out awhile. Lee said he is ready to practice again but Lane Kiffin said Lee is not cleared to compete. Lee’s undergone an MRI on his knee and USC believes he has a deep bone bruise in his knee and he is having trouble bending it all the way.

Lee said he wants to return as soon as possible but there is not a set date yet on his return.

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