March 2006 Archives

Quarterback John David Booty underwent back surgery Friday, where Dr. Robert Watkins operated on his herniated disc and also removed a fragment.
The official procedure is called a ``microscopic discectomy'' and usually offers a shorter recovery period than conventional surgery.
``Dr. Watkins made the point that he had to (have surgery) once he saw what was going on,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``It would be a mistake to wait it out.''
Booty's recovery period is projected to be three months.

Even though he hired a defensive coordinator for the first time, USC coach Pete Carroll continues to spend as much time with the defense as he did before the staff reorganization.
This is interesting because a number of people closely tied to the program believe Carroll made the change so he could devote more time to the offense, which has so many new faces in key roles next season and might require his attention.
Even though Carroll officially spends more time with the defense, he's always exerted control over the offense. Most famously, he said he revamped the offensive philosophy in the latter stages of the 2001 season and did not fully implement the changes he wanted until the start of the 2002 season.

There was talk at USC that former Trojans wide receivers Keyshawn Johnson (Carolina Panthers) and Curtis Conway (who retired following the 2004 season) might show up to catch passes during Matt Leinart's workout for NFL teams on Sunday. Another possibility mentioned was former USC and current Detroit Lions wide receiver Mike Williams. Keary Colbert (Carolina Panthers) could certainly show up since he attended Thursday's practice.
Tailback Reggie Bush is hoping to impress teams by benchpressing 225 pounds at least 30 times while Leinart is aiming for 20. Safety Darnell Bing wants to run the 40-yard dash in at least 4.4 seconds.

Quarterback John David Booty will require surgery Friday for the herniated disc in his back, which raises questions about whether he will recover in time for the start of training camp.

Here’s some quick answers to questions posed by readers so far.

1. A reader asked about Lou Ferrigno Jr., the son of the actor and a Notre Dame High of Sherman Oaks. He joined the team as a walk-on and is playing linebacker.

2. Another reader asked why freshman cornerback Kevin Thomas was on the field during Texas’ final touchdown drive. Senior John Walker was injured during the game and replaced by Thomas.

3. USC’s central coast radio affiliate is KVEN-AM (1450) in Ventura.

4. Fans attending Pro Day should be aware that the portion conducted on Howard Jones Field is closed to the public. All events at Cromwell Field are open, beginning around 11 a.m.

5. So far this spring, I have not seen USC practicing against the spread offense, which makes sense because there’s really no one available right now to emulate a running quarterback. Tailback Michael Coleman performed the job during bowl practices but is out following hip surgery.

6. Several of you asked the identity of a former assistant coach who called a non-conference opponent and offered help. I cannot reveal his identity in order to protect my sources.

7. One of you asked if former defensive line coach Jethro Franklin was fired. No, he was offered the defensive coordinator’s job by Pete Carroll but decided the best way to become a head coach was to go back to the NFL as an assistant. Carroll then hired Nick Holt as defensive coordinator.

So it looks like USC is changing radio stations, leaving 1540-AM for 710-AM, which has a much stronger signal. That's the main reason for the change, which takes effect next season. There's been complaints for several years, especially in Orange County, that fans could not get clear enough reception to hear games.

OK, it's been almost three months, but here's a lingering question from the Rose Bowl.
USC's undoubtedly compiled the nation's top recruiting classes the past four years (or at least top three) but if that's the case, it's interesting to consider who was on the field on some of the most important plays of the game.
Perhaps the most memorable offensive play was Reggie Bush’s lateral to a walk-on (wide receiver Brad Walker). Apparently Chris McFoy, Steve Smith, Dwayne Jarrett and Patrick Turner were not enough?
During Texas' game-winning drive, USC's defense featured twin brothers Ryan and Brandon Ting in the secondary. None of this is a slight of those players, who consistently work as hard (or harder) than anyone in practice.
But it shows that even with all those No. 1 classes, where were the so-called blue-chip players during those critical moments? Were they simply not utilized, hurt or just beaten out by their lesser-known teammates?

P.S. – Does anyone remember Texas using walk-ons on any critical plays?

USC quarterback Matt Leinart's new handlers at CAA are already earning their money with the order that Leinart will not speak to reporters individually at Sunday's Pro Day and only be available for 10 minutes in a group setting. Sounds a lot like when he played for the Trojans.
At least Leinart wasn't the biggest celebrity at USC on Wednesday. The hit TV show ``The OC'' is filming on campus. Wonder if CAA can get Leinart a cameo?

Last week we mentioned the possibility of a surprising addition to the football team.

Sunday's much-anticipated Pro Day, where Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, Winston Justice, Darnell Bing, etc., will work out for NFL teams is open to the public. The event begins around 11 a.m. and takes place at Cromwell Field and Howard Jones Field. Fans are not allowed on the track but can watch from the stands.
There should be a large contigent of NFL coaches and executives, who will no doubt cringe at the thought of mingling with the public.

Freshman quarterback Mark Sanchez admitted before spring practice he would feel some nervousness but after an abundance of reps following John David Booty's back injury during the first week of spring drills, Sanchez feels like a seasoned pro.

USC's first commitment from the Class of 2007 was linebacker Chris Galippo of Servite High in Anaheim, who selected the Trojans last month over Notre Dame. But sources say even though Galippo announced he is coming to USC, UCLA intends to make a strong push for the talented linebacker.

Defensive end Lawrence Jackson was added the Lott Trophy Watch List today, which goes to the nation's top defensive player. The spring honor Jackson covets most is to be named to the Playboy All-American team.

There were quite a few recruits in attendance for the first practice in full pads. The biggest delegation came from Oaks Christian High in Westlake Village. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen, tailback Marc Tyler, wide receiver Marshall Jones and linebacker Casey Matthews.

USC’s quarterback crunch isn’t only related to junior John David Booty being out with a back injury. Walk-on quarterback Tom Harwood from Harvard-Westlake is no longer on the team. That’s important because it leaves freshman Mark Sanchez and junior Mike McDonald as the only two quarterbacks.
Even though Garrett Green joins the team in the fall, expect USC to make a strong push to sign a quarterback next year. The No. 1 choice remains Jimmy Clausen of Oaks Christian.
Ironically, Clausen does intend to graduate from high school early, which means if he were a senior this year, he could potentially be participating in spring practice.

Not everyone is a Trojan for life: A former USC assistant recently called one of the Trojans' nonconference opponents and offered advice for next year's game.

Welcome to the USC spring football blog. It's only been two days but there is a difference from the past three years. Specifically, there is a feeling of equality among the players because so few
roles are defined and the superstars no longer rule the team.

With skill players like Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and LenDale White gone, a lot of underclassmen believe this is a chance to become a bigger part of the team. "Anybody can get the ball and that makes it more fun," wide receiver Chris McFoy said. "It's more equal."

USC spring practice is more than the ongoing quarterback controversy.
There could be an interesting and unexpected addition to the football team, perhaps as soon as today's practice. More on that later.

In the meantime, USC released its schedule poster this week.
Always a popular item, the poster is puzzling because it contains the word ''Encore'' as its theme for next season.