August 2006 Archives

Senior Oscar Lua will start at middle linebacker ahead of sophomore Rey Maualuga against Arkansas. Pete Carroll said it was a ``toss up'' but Lua's experience gave him the edge. ``If it's a toss up, you go that way,'' Carroll said.
Sophomore Troy Van Blarcom also gets the nod over sophomore David Buehler on kickoffs. Van Blarcom gets the first kick, but if he struggles, Buehler will replace him.

As expected, Pete Carroll said C.J. Gable will start at tailback for the Trojans. It also sounds like Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden will be available despite his toe injury.

It's hot here, but so far at least, none of the dreaded humidity that was expected. The first thing that strikes you on this trip is how spread out everything is despite the rural locale. The airport is ``in the middle of nowhere'' as a girl who lived here all of her 20 years told me. The hotel is about 25 minutes from the airport and the University of Arkansas is another 20-30 minutes south in Fayetteville. No, we are not staying in Fayetteville.

The season-opener is almost here, but Wednesday night two USC students approached a football player at Heritage Hall (of all places) and asked the following question: ``Have you guys started practicing yet?''

Cornerback Kevin Thomas will start against Arkansas ahead of Cary Harris, despite missing nine days of training camp with an arm injury.
``They told me I'm going to start but all three of us will play,'' Thomas said. ``I've waited a long time for this.''
It also means USC's starting corners for Arkansas will be Thomas and (Terrell) Thomas.

Freshman tailback Emmanuel Moody said he got off to an extremely rough start in training camp because of fumbling. Moody said he realized he was in the doghouse one day because of fumbles.
``That was one of the most stressful days of my life,'' Moody said. ``I just realized I had to follow the No. 1 rule, `protect the football.' I had to focus. It happened in one day.
``I changed the way I focused. I decided to focus on one thing at a time and fumbling is on my mind constantly.''
Moody not stopped fumbling in camp, he gained 128 yards and scored two TDs in nine carries on August 17.
``I felt like that was the climax for me,'' Moody said. ``I had to have a big night. I knew that going in.''

Tailback Michael Coleman will redshirt because of problems recovering from two hip operations. It's a good decision for Coleman, who did not redshirt last season and played sparingly with 20 carries. Coleman also fractured his hand this week.
A healthy Coleman is something USC has not really seen since he arrived and injured his hip in spring practice after graduating early from high school.

Here's the list of voters for the Harris Poll, which helps determine the top two teams in the BCS rankings:

Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett's missed a good portion of training camp with a bruised thigh, sat out nearly all the scrimmages and even missed Tuesday's practice with a sore throat. In the past, Jarrett's experienced quiet training camps and then quickly emerged when as the season started.
But Jarrett also had the luxury of catching passes from Matt Leinart the past two seasons. It will be interesting to see if a similar pattern emerges this week, since he and John David Booty probably still could use some work to get their timing down.

USC is one of just four schools to compete in a January bowl game each of the past four years. Can you guess the others?

Tailback Chauncey Washington will not start according to Pete Carroll but Washington did have one of his best practices and said he is "good to go."
"I think I can start but it's up to the coaches," Washington said.
Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett suited up but did not practice because of a sore throat while linebacker Brian Cushing returns Wednesday from back spasms.

Who says computer rankings are useless in August? Well, just about everyone. But USC is No. 1 in the first Sagarin rankings. http://www.kiva.net/~jsagarin/sports/cfsend.htm

The Trojans are also No. 2 in the pre-season Billingsley Report, because Billingsley's opening numbers are all based on last year's final poll position. http://www.cfrc.com/Ratings_2006/WK_1.htm

While Chauncey Washington's hamstring draws the lion's share of attention, linebacker Brian Cushing's back spasms probably should draw more concern. Although Cushing is expected to return Wednesday, his status is more important because he might be the most critical player on defense. The Trojans can play a 4-3 or 3-4 defense with him in the lineup.
Without Cushing, USC is more likely to rely on a traditional 4-3 with Kyle Moore at defensive end.

Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Matt Leinart and USC women’s basketball player Brynn Cameron of Newbury Park are expecting a baby boy in November, according to sources. Cameron, who is a junior, will redshirt this season and return to the basketball team next season and earn her degree while Leinart plays for the Arizona Cardinals.

Guard Daniel Hackett and forward Taj Gibson are still awaiting approval from the NCAA Clearinghouse. USC hopes to hearsomething in the next two-to-three days.

Although USC practiced in shorts, tailback Chauncey Washington said he feels 100 percent and thinks he can play against Arkansas. He said there is still some lingering tightness in his hamstring.
"I feel like I'm going to play but it's up to the coaches," Washington said.
The big test is tomorrow when USC practices in full pads.
"I feel I can go out there and practice after today," Washington said.

The Arkansas game is a sellout. For those keeping score, last year, six of seven USC games away from the Coliseum were sellouts: all regular season matches, except Washington, and, of course, the Rose Bowl.

Michael Coleman is scheduled to return to practice today. Besides dealing with a death in the family, Coleman’s also frustrated over the slow recovery of his hip. One explanation is that he returned too soon from his injury (or that he was brought back too fast) and required a second operation.
In a previous post (April 17, 2006), I detailed the problems USC’s faced with athletes and hip injuries when the surgery was performed in Southern California.

Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga, who might start against Arkansas, said he's much more knowledgeable with the defense than a year ago.
``Last year, my goal was to just fit in and get comfortable with the scheme,'' Maualuga said. ``Now I'm getting down to business. I've got all my checks down. It's a huge difference.''

Gerald Washington went back to tight end from defensive end last week following a brief trial on defense. Washington did not particularly enjoy the new position and when Lawrence Jackson returned from injury, it was not necessary to keep him on defense for depth.
It's the only position switch of camp that got reversed.

http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_4245142

Here's the first depth chart of the season from USC. Note that the depth chart offers a traditional 4-3 formation with Brian Cushing a reserve LB, but Cushing is expected to start at defensive end as the Trojans use four linebackers.

Stafon Johnson caught a TD pass and ran for another as the scout team gave the first team more than enough competition in the first half of a mock game. Linebacker Luthur Brown also was impressive.
C.J. Gable broke some nice runs for the first team, and Chris McFoy and Desmond Reed caught TD passes, among others.
Thomas Williams intercepted a pass for the second team defense.
Allen Bradford led the offense to a touchdown drive.
John David Booty threw an interception when Patrick Turner slipped. Alfred Rowe intercepted the pass.
The scrimmage went longer than expected, probably because the first team struggled in the first half, although it did dominate in the second half.
Brian Cushing (back spasms) did not play while Kaluka Maiava left after hurting his shoulder.
Michael Coleman missed practice because of a death in the family.

There will be a short version of a simulated game during Saturday's practice but freshman tailback Emmanuel Moody will not play. Moody left Los Angeles on Friday afternoon to attend his uncle's wedding.

Tailback Chauncey Washington did sprints Friday and said he would try to practice Saturday, but not participate in a full practice.

A major local newspaper is calling law enforcement officials about an incident involving a current player that happened about 18 months ago and was previously reported last year by the Daily News and eventually other publications.
``There's nothing new,'' a law enforcement official said.

What's made C.J. Gable the No. 1 tailback heading into the season-opener?
``C.J. has shown the balane to play physical and play smart,'' offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said.

There continues to be a feeling around the program that freshman Emmanuel Moody possesses qualities most similar to Reggie Bush among the young tailbacks. That’s a tall order, obviously, but Moody does seem to have impressive initial burst.
To become an every down performer, however, Moody will need to work on his receiving abilities as he matures.

Freshman linebacker Josh Tatum's just started doing some physical work, but remains bothered by a knee injury suffered during his senior year.
"He's still a ways away," USC coach Pete Carroll said.

An Oaks Christian source who correctly predicted safety Marshall Jones would commit to USC said the senior is now expressing doubts about his early commitment and wondering if he should consider other schools.

The importance of scrimmage stats proved their worth this week when freshman tailback Stafon Johnson went to the scout team. Johnson gained 323 yards in 39 carries, an average of 8.3 yards per carry in four scrimmages.
The current No. 1 tailback, freshman C.J. Gable, gained 211 yards in 25 carries, for 8.4 yards per carry. Emmanuel Moody, probably the No. 3 back, gained 191 yards in 26 carries (7.3 yards).
So what’s the difference? Among the many factors that go into such decisions, one insider said maturity played a key role. That meant knowing what you’re supposed to be doing, whether on the field or in a meeting.

Freshman basketball players Daniel Hackett and Taj Gibson received permission from the Pac-10 to sit in on classes even though they are not cleared by the NCAA. Gibson said he will attend classes tomorrow.
Hackett said he is hopeful to hear from the NCAA by the end of the week, although no one really knows when the Clearinghouse will act on the players' transcripts.

Pete Carroll said Chauncey Washington probably needs a full week of practice to be available for the Arkansas game. Washington hopes to return Saturday.
Stafon Johnson spent his second day on the scout team as C.J. Gable increasingly heads toward his first career start at tailback.
Brian Cushing also looks like a starter, whether it's labeled defensive end or linebacker when the depth chart is revealed.

With a No. 1-ranked recruiting class, it’s almost impossible to really find a ``surprise’’ prospect. The four freshmen tailbacks, including Allen Bradford, were well known in high school and are being scrutinized the most because of the nature of the position.
Tight end Anthony McCoy’s been the biggest revelation. Maybe the most physically imposing tight end in recent memory even though he’s a freshman. He weighed 235 pounds at USC’s summer camp a year ago as a wide receiver, but is now a gifted 265-pound tight end.
That said, perhaps the truest surprise of camp is safety Garrett Green, who continually works with the No. 2 defense. Green was one of the last players offered a scholarship last winter and until last week took snaps as the fourth-string quarterback.
But even with the glut of young safeties on the roster, Green keeps finding a way into the mix when the second-team defense is on the field. His safety skills were known to anyone who watched him in high school, but USC always insisted he would be a quarterback, especially after John David Booty’s back surgery and Mark Sanchez’s legal troubles last spring.
Based upon that, Green’s probably been the surprise of camp.

One rumor making the rounds since last week's season-ending injury to Brandon Hancock is that linebacker Thomas Williams might move to fullback. But offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said it is not under consideration.

If Chauncey Washington is unable to return in time for the Arkansas game, this is the order I would imagine the freshman tailbacks being used if a game were today.
1. C.J. Gable
2. Allen Bradford
3. Stafon Johnson
4. Emmanuel Moody

Bradford and Johnson could possibly flip-flop, depending on whether the coaches decide they need a big back in the game.

Chauncey Washington only ran one play and did not feel much progress in his hamstring. His status for the Arkansas game appears in jeopardy.
"I'll probably take it easy until Saturday,'' Washington said. "I can get into second gear but when I go faster I can feel a stretch.
"If I had to I would rather sit out Arkansas and come back healthy for Nebraska."

Chauncey Washington is back practicing right now at the outset but his participation is limited. Meanwhile, tight end Jimmy Miller's arm is in sling. Wide receiver Chris McFoy is out with a strained neck.
Washington only ran one play during drills but did some light work beforehand.
Practice is officially closed although there still are people watching.

USC fullback Brandon Hancock will be joining KSPN 710-AM as a weekly contributor and insider, and will be a part of the pre-game show for the season-opener against Arkansas. Hancock's career ended last week when he tore knee ligaments for the second time.

An NFL scout attended recent scrimmages at USC and UCLA and found some similarities, particularly in the secondary.
``They’re very similar, I didn’t see much difference,’’ the scout said. ``UCLA held their own.’’
But the scout admitted being impressed with the speed of USC’s front seven.
``That’s where they were impressive,’’ the scout said. ``They’re extremely fast, especially with (Rey) Maualuga and (Brian) Cushing.’’

St. John Bosco guard Daniel Hackett said he completed his coursework last weekend and officially graduated from high school a year early. Now he must get the approval of the NCAA Clearhouse before attending classes at USC.
``I’m all done,'' Hackett said. ``Everything is in the hands of the clearinghouse. It looks good. I hope I will hear maybe a couple days, maybe next week.''
Freshman forward Taj Gibson is also awaiting clearinghouse approval before he can attend classes.

Last week, attorney Carmen Trutanich spoke to USC's freshman football players about staying out of trouble. Here's an essay Trutanich wrote about the recent Duke lacrosse team scandal:

A student wanted to move into the downtown L.A. penthouse apartment Monday shared by Matt Leinart and Dwayne Jarrett last year and was told it would cost $4,300. That’s $500 more than it cost when Leinart signed his rental agreement, but it’s understandable because the Medici complex is much better known thanks to the publicity surrounding the complex since last spring.
Meanwhile, Reggie Bush officially moved out of the Medici last week, following the lead of Jarrett and Leinart. Jarrett is now living alone in another downtown apartment and said he pays about $1,000 per month.

St. Paul High tailback Nicholas Grigsby, who committed to Arizona, attended last night’s scrimmage in a USC sweatshirt.

Stats from tonight's mock game:

A live recap of the mock game, which featured the first team against the scout team.

http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_4209890

Tailback Desmond Reed is gradually getting more work and Saturday even took snaps at tailback while the Trojans were in a two-minute offense to take advantage of his receiving skills.

USC coach Pete Carroll said the pass defense is the best since he arrived at USC and said it's one reason the offense struggled in scrimmage situations.
``We haven't been as productive against our defense at any time,'' Carroll said.
As far as the running game, Carroll said, ``What I'm concerned about is getting running backs in the game that know what they are doing at the right time.''

USC goes into the Arkansas game without the No. 1 AP ranking for the first time since it went into the Dec. 3, 2003, Oregon State game ranked No. 2. And the No. 6 ranking is the lowest AP ranking for the Trojans going into a game since the October 11, 2003, Stanford game, when the Trojans were ninth.
When was the last time an unranked Trojan team took the field? Christmas Day, 2001, against Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl.
And for the optimists, in 1972, USC, ranked a No. 8 in the pre-season poll, used its victory at Arkansas to climb up to the No. 1 spot, where they stayed the rest of that season.
UPDATE: The Arkansas game is the first that USC will be entering without a No. 1 ranking, since the Oregon St. game in 2003. It is not the first time that USC has not been No. 1 since 2003 since USC was No. 2 in the poll that came out on Jan. 5, 2006

Quarterback John David Booty was a hit at the Salute to Troy football kickoff barbecue Friday night, because he signed autographs for the fans. Last year, quarterback Matt Leinart declined to sign.
``I look forward to it,'' Booty said. ``I'm going to enjoy it.''

John David Booty, Ryan Kalil, Oscar Lua and Dallas Sartz were elected team captains.

USC coach Pete Carroll on last night’s scrimmage passing stats: 17 for 36, 220 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT.
``The numbers are still mediocre,’’ Carroll said. ``I know we’re playing really good pass defense. We still need to get those numbers up.’’

Here's my first top 25 ballot for the Associated Press:

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_4199997

Here's the scrimmage stats:

Here's a live recap of Thursday's scrimmage at the Coliseum:

Jamere Holland cleared by NCAA.

Tailback Chauncey Washington (hamstring) participated in part of Thursday’s morning practice and said he thinks he will return to a full practice Tuesday. Washington said he just feels a ``tad of tightness’’ in his hamstring.

Forward Taj Gibson is still awaiting approval from the NCAA Clearinghouse. One of his high school is still in the process of sending his transcript, which delayed the process.
Before going to Santa Barbara for the Michael Jordan basketball camp last weekend, O.J. Mayo stopped at USC on his own and played pickup basketball.
Dominguez guard Quentin Watkins officially informed USC he would not honor his verbal commitment.
Point guard Daniel Hackett should finish his academic work by this weekend, and then his transcripts will be sent to the NCAA for approval. USC’s latest commitment, Biko Paris, will provide much-needed assistance at the point-guard position.

http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_4193560

Cary Harris will be the No. 1 kick returner with C.J. Gable also involved. Freshman wide receiver Travon Patterson will backup Desmond Reed on punt returns.

Tailback Desmond Reed was officially cleared for full contact and immediately made the No. 1 punt returner for the Arkansas game.
"That will be a great role to start with," USC coach Pete Carroll said. "If Des hangs on for that spot, it will be a real plus."

Following Sunday’s scrimmage, quarterback John David Booty talked about how well play-action passes worked. It’s still early but if the passing game struggles, play-action passes could become a fixture, especially if the freshmen tailbacks live up to their promise.
``First, it means the running game is working and puts more pressure on the defense to play the run,’’ said a Big 10 offensive coordinator. ``You try to get the safeties out of there with play action, and it’s easier for quarterback not good enough to just drop back and throw it.’’

With Brandon Hancock tearing knee ligaments, the ideal candidate to beef up the fullback position is tailback Michael Coleman. But Coleman's still not 100 percent following two operations and remains limited in what he can do right now. If he does become healthy, it won't be surprising to see him take some snaps at fullback.

What exactly does it mean to say newly converted safety Garrett Green ``can play the deep ball'' as one USC assistant said in today's Daily News when the Trojans already have three other freshman safeties (Taylor Mays, Antwine Perez, Alfred Rowe) and Mays clearly is making an impact.
I posed the question to a non-USC coach.
``They trust (Green) on deep passes to make plays. The other guys might be too aggresive or not disciplined enough right now.''

Freshman quarterback Garrett Green moved to safety for today's morning practice. Green is not a hitter like some of USC's other safeties, but his cover skills are considered an asset.

With Brandon Hancock out for the season, senior Ryan Powdrell becomes the starter, which means he will get a lot more snaps in practice than he did the first 10 days. Freshman Stanley Havili will also play, but so far he's been used in a role similar to Malaefou MacKenzie several years ago.

This morning before practice, Dwayne Jarrett and Thomas Herring were on campus walking to practice when a woman drove up and offered them a ride. The pair got in the car and were immediately surrounded by about five LAPD cars and a USC security car because there was an investigation involving the car. All three were handcuffed, but Jarrett and Herring were released. The woman was questioned by police but not arrested.
USC coach Pete Carroll addressed the matter after practice.

Tests revealed USC fullback Brandon Hancock tore knee ligaments and he is out for the season.
``He worked so hard, it's most unfortunate,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``It's a terrible thing. We've got Ryan Powdrell, Jody Adewale and Stanley Havili and maybe we can do some other things.''
This is the second time Hancock tore ligaments in his left knee. He tore his ACL and MCL for the second time. Hancock said he would not apply for a sixth year because he might risk permanent damage to his knee but would like to participate in Pro Day as a final gesture.
"It would be a good sense of closure to say goodbye to the game on a positive note," Hancock said.

Long Beach Poly cornerback Donovan Warren attended USC's scrimmage Sunday night and UCLA practice Monday. A Poly coach told me USC would like a commitment as quickly as possible. This might be the best head-to-head battle between the crosstown rivals in recruiting this season.

Fullback Brandon Hancock twisted his knee in practice and will undergo an MRI tomorrow morning. Hancock said he was concerned he tore his ACL, which would be a season-ending injury.
In a best-case scenario, he sprained his MCL and would be out 2-3 weeks.
"I felt a little pop, but that's not uncommon," Hancock said. "I won't have any answers until I take the MRI. I'm really anxious."

Desmond Reed doesn't look bad taking some snaps wearing a leg brace in his first practice since meeting with doctors last weekend.

Allen Bradford's move to tailback is impressive because he is still learning the offense and pretty much running on instinct right now.
``I think once I learn the offense I'll be pretty good,'' Bradford said. ``Right now, running is just second nature. I've still got a lot to learn.''

Wonder what big back commitments -- Oaks Christian tailback Marc Tyler and Broderick Green of Little Rock, Ark., -- think of Allen Bradford's move to tailback?

Quarterback John David Booty feels the passing game will improve following Sunday night's scrimmage.
``I know the passing game will get better,'' Booty said. ``I know we’ll have a good play-action game. I feel I did OK.''
Booty said he quickly shook off throwing an interception to Taylor Mays.
``That was a great play,'' Booty said. ``It was an all-or-nothing play. I took a shot and came up short.''

USC coach Pete Carroll's scrimmage thoughts:
``Obviously, the defense had a big advantage tonight. However the young running backs got out. It was a little sloppy in the passing game. I was also pleased to see the running backs making guys miss.''
Carroll on the possibility of Allen Bradford permanently moving to tailback, even after Chauncey Washington returns from his hamstring injury.
``We’ll just see. I’m hoping Chauncey is that effective as well. If he isn’t, we still have a chance for great success (with a big back).''
Bradford said he believed he would probably stay on offense all season.

Wide receiver Patrick Turner missed the scrimmage because he bruised his sternum and will undergo X-rays Monday.

Tailback Desmond Reed received a positive report from doctors who examined his knee and he will be worked into practices this week with the hope he can be fully cleared in about two weeks.
``He’s going to start practicing more and see how far we can take it,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``They are amazed with what he can do. Now we’ll find out if he can handle the workload.’’

Here's the scrimmage stats. Several players (Dwayne Jarrett, Patrick Turner, Fred Davis) were either rested or played sparingly. It should be noted that USC coach Pete Carroll said their absence was not an issue in the passing game being ``a little sloppy.''
Offensive tackle Sam Baker left the scrimmage after suffering flu-like symptoms.
Fumble! Tonight's scrimmage had five fumbles along with an interception but only three penalties.

Here's some play-by-play of Sunday night's scrimmage, where the offense struggled in the passing game and the running game once again looked strong.

O.J. Mayo canceled his press conference to announce he would attend USC this afternoon. This is precisely why I stressed last night that Mayo has not ``officially'' committed to USC. A high school source close to Mayo said the planned press conference by Mayo was a ``misunderstanding.''
Welcome to basketball recruiting.

Lost amid the switch Allen Bradford made from safety to tailback yesterday was that Pete Carroll stopped practice because the offense was struggling so much. He gathered the team at midfield and treated it like a ``halftime.'' Carroll said he was pleased with the way the offense responded although John David Booty did throw an interception.

There are supposed to be major announcements, emphasis on the plural, regarding the USC basketball program Sunday afternoon at a press conference at the Marina del Rey Marriott. As previously mentioned, USC hosted O.J. Mayo, the No. 1 recruit in the nation, and center Aaron Pogue on campus on Saturday.

Allen Bradford got moved to tailback again and will stay there until something changes with the depth at the position. With Chauncey Washington (hamstring) out and Michael Coleman still bothered as he recovers from two hip operations, USC coach Pete Carroll wants a big back.
``This is to give us insurance,'' Carroll said. ``He's got a style where you know he's going to bring it.''

O.J. Mayo just made an unexpected visit to USC, coming down from the Michael Jordan camp.
The football team chanted his name and Mayo was here about an hour, hanging out with his friend Aaron Pogue.
"It was great and exciting," Mayo said.
This was Mayo's second visit to USC. Mayo said he would announce his decision before the end of the year. He is widely expected to come to USC.
UPDATE: Mayo's actually still here, deciding to remain a little longer. He departs from LAX tonight.
UPDATE TO THE UPDATE: Mayo did not officially commit, although he's told USC athletes since July that he would become a Trojan.

Basketball recruit Aaron Pogue is on campus right now for his weekend visit. He's already drawn some envious looks from football coaches because of size. Pogue is a close friend of O.J. Mayo, the No. 1 recruit in the nation.

Linebacker Luthur Brown's been forced to sit in the shadows because of a back injury that sidelined him all last season. Brown is back now and said the back feels OK, although he sometimes feels tightness.
``If something comes up, I guess I'll find out,'' Brown said.
Brown did get through the first scrimmage with three tackles and two fumble recoveries.
``I should be OK,'' he said.
On a recruiting note, a high school coach told me Saturday that Verbum Dei defensive end Akeem Ayers will go to UCLA.

As expected, Frostee Rucker's arraignment hearing was continued until Sept. 22.

Pete Carroll gave a nod to freshman tailback C.J. Gable, who keeps impressing in training camp and might start if the Trojans played today.
"C.J.'s doing great, he's been our most consistent guy," Carroll said.
Chauncey Washington (hamstring) will not start running again until Monday. Offensive lineman Chilo Rachal was hit in the head but it's too soon to tell if he suffered a concussion. Rey Maualuga and Terrell Thomas were rested Friday.
Tailback Desmond Reed got his knee tested Friday to see how much nerve damage remains. He's been unable to flex his foot completely because the nerve did not grow back completely after he tore knee ligaments.

New faces always become a center of attention in training camp, but it's worth noting that freshmen were the top three rushers, the top receiver and top tight end in Wednesday's scrimmage.
But here's something else to consider while freshmen capture so much attention right now. Part of that reason is the Trojans recruited so many skill players and just one offensive lineman.
If USC brought six potential All-American offensive linemen, there would hardly be a fuss because they would probably be redshirting and you would probably notice a lineman making an impressive block as easily a running back or wide receiver making a big play.

Leonard Levine, the attorney representing former USC defensive end Frostee Rucker, sent a letter to ESPN objecting to the cable network's July 3 report on Rucker without interviewing anyone from Rucker's camp for a balanced presentation.
Here's the full letter:

Daily News columnist Tom Hoffarth offers his own take (and photos) of Matt Leinart's holdout.
http://www.insidesocal.com/tomhoffarth/archives/2006/08/whats_eating_ma.html

Actor Will Ferrell just made a surprise visit to a team meeting dressed as the title character from his latest movie, ``Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.'' Maybe even more surprising, USC coach Pete Carroll entered the meeting on a motorcycle surrounded by smoke and dressed in a NASCAR drivers' outfit. Then from a side entrance, Ferrell emerged.
Ferrell is a USC graduate and has previously attended practices. The team saw Ferrell's movie after the visit.

It's easy to get fixated on freshmen because they are new faces, but wide receiver Travon Patterson seems ready to assume a vital role. Patterson turned a 5-yard pass into about a 60-yard play and he's clearly the fastest receiver.
"Travon brings something we haven't had in five years,'' offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said.

Freshman Allen Bradford is taking turns at tailback this afternoon for the first time. Bradford, who averaged almost 10 yards per carry at Colton last season, is playing safety but the coaches were eager to see him at tailback.

Freshman wide receiver Vidal Hazelton was academically cleared by the NCAA this morning. That leaves only wide receiver Jamere Holland, who is undergoing surgery on his fractured collarbone today.

Sometimes a player stands out more on film than during an actual scrimmage. That was the case with tailback Stafon Johnson, strange as it sounds since he gained 119 yards.
"Coming off the field I wasn't as impressed with Johnson until I watched the film," USC coach Pete Carroll said. "And the same with C.J. Gable and Emmanuel Moody. If that was their first test, they passed.

Center Aaron Pogue, a close friend of O.J. Mayo, will visit USC this weekend. Mayo was expected to commit to USC last month. Although he delayed the announcement, he is still expected to commit to the Trojans and bring at least two players with him, although the current feeling is that highly regarded forward Bill Walker is less likely to follow him.
Meanwhile, forward Davon Jefferson, who did not academically qualify for the fall semester, would probably not enroll until fall, 2007, if he eventually qualifies.

With the best leg on the team, kickoff specialist David Buehler seems a natural for long field goals this season. But during Wednesday's scrimmage, Buehler hooked a 32-yard attempt wide left. It will be interesting to see if the Trojans try any field goals more than 45 yards this season.

Here's today's scrimmage stats:

The first-team offense experienced some rough moments in the first part of this afternoon's scrimmage.
John David Booty had a couple passes tipped and threw an interception.
Steve Smith and Michael Coleman also dropped passes.
C.J. Gable and Vidal Hazelton just returned kickoffs for TDs. Chris McFoy blocked a Greg Woidneck punt.
Mark Sanchez threw a short TD pass to fullback Stanley Havili.
Overall, the defense came out ahead today.

One of the top goals of training camp is getting freshmen safeties Taylor Mays and Allen Bradford ready for the opening game. At worst, both players will probably be backups.
``We need to have backups by the end of camp,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said.

http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_4154372

Freshman defensive tackle Butch Lewis moved over to offensive line to shore up a lack of depth and Pete Carroll liked the results.
``He lit it up in pass rush drills,'' Carroll said. ``He's got a great opportunity and he sees it.''

Grade check: Everyone enrolled in a summer school class received a satisfactory grade, according to USC coach Pete Carroll. There were a record 19 freshman enrolled in summer classes.

Freshman wide receiver Travon Patterson returned with some big catches in the afternoon practice. "There's no question he can help us, if he keeps progressing he can be a factor in the first game," USC coach Pete Carroll said.
Chauncey Washington remains bothered by a sore hamstring while freshman tailback Emmanuel Moody missed the afternoon session after feeling light-headed. Tailback Michael Coleman is practicing once a day to avoid overworking his hip.

The quarterbacks responded with a better performance this morning, meanwhile some small injuries are mounting. Sedrick Ellis sprained his thumb, Travis Draper needs an MRI for his sore back and Chauncey Washington has a minor hamstring strain.
If you went by the talk last year, tailback Emmanuel Moody was not described as the fastest incoming back but his initial burst has running backs coach Todd McNair drawing comparisons to Reggie Bush.
"He's got a little of (Bush) in him," McNair said.

Chauncey Washington suffered a mild hamstring strain in a different area than the strain that occurred six weeks ago. Washington said he will sit out tomorrow morning's practice but return in the afternoon. The defense appears to be ahead of the offense and the past few practices fumbled snaps were an issue when Ryan Kalil was not playing. One reason is backup Travis Draper is experiencing back problems.
Pete Carroll said about 20 players could be part of the first-unit defense, with so many players competing at different positions.
Ronnie Lott spoke to the team this afternoon.

Texas A&M is resisting the Big 12 Conference’s call to move team bands from behind a visitor’s bench. Associate Athletic Director Alan Cannon said the band would not move for the upcoming season.

When USC scrimmages this week for the first time, Pete Carroll will look closely at two legitimate questions entering the season:
Can his quarterbacks handle a live pass rush?
Can his new tailbacks demonstrate they won't fumble?

Wide receiver David Ausberry was academically cleared by the NCAA, leaving Vidal Hazelton and Jamere Holland as the two remaining players awaiting Clearinghouse approval.

St. John Bosco point guard Daniel Hackett should complete summer classes around August 16. The transcripts will be forwarded to the NCAA to obtain clearinghouse approval with the hope Hackett can start attending classes at USC the following week.
USC's already received premlinary word from the NCAA that Hackett should be OK if he passes the classes and graduates from high school a year early.
Center Aaron Pogue, a friend of guard O.J. Mayo, is scheduled to visit USC this month.

Cornerback Vincent Joseph has a high-ankle sprain and probably will be out several weeks. Safety Taylor Mays missed practice because of a death in the family but will return to practice tomorrow.
USC coach Pete Carroll praised the freshman class after practice, including tailbacks Stafon Johnson, Emmanuel Moody and C.J. Gable.
"Moody probably has the most shake-and-bake among them," Carroll said.
Moody made a wonderful run off a short pass, then fumbled on the play, which is not unexpected for a freshman. Cornerback Kevin Thomas made an intereception while his counterpart, Cary Harris, bruised his left knee.
Another player making an impact is fullback Stanley Havili, who weighs 228 pounds, about 10 more than his reported weight.

Freshman cornerback Vincent Joseph was carted off the field with an apparent ankle injury. Stafon Johnson was impressive early and also returned punts.
C.J. Gable enjoyed another nice run. The defense bettered the offense when blitzing.
Freshman safety Taylor Mays continued to work with the first team. The hit of the day occurred when linebacker Brian Cushing collided with wide receiver Vidal Hazelton.

Tailback Chauncey Washington is being brought along slowly at the outset of camp because he injured his hamstring about six weeks ago and USC coach Pete Carroll does not want to aggravate the injury by overworking Washington.

Freshmen safeties Allen Bradford and Taylor Mays are working with the first-team defense right now in the first full-squad practice.
Cornerback Terrell Thomas, back from a season-ending knee injury, just intercepted a John David Booty pass. Wide receiver Vidal Hazelton also continues to impress.
Freshman tailback C.J. Gable broke a 30-yard touchdown run.

One of the keys for freshman quarterback Mark Sanchez is how quickly he adapts to the speed of college football. It was one of this main concerns in spring practice and following the first practice, Sanchez said he already detected an improvement.
``It's slowed down a little bit for me from the spring,'' Sanchez said. ``The defense was flying around but I'm adjusting to it better.''

With freshman wide receiver Jamere Holland out for the season with a shoulder injury, it's the first major injury of fall camp. But it's also the position USC can afford to lose a player. Freshmen Travon Patterson and Vidal Hazelton are already impressive (Hazelton is expected to be certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse any day) in one day of practice and there's also tall freshman David Ausberry.
One of the more interesting sights Thursday was sophomore Patrick Turner trying to return punts.
``I think they will use someone smaller there,'' Turner said, referring to Patterson.

Freshman wide receiver Vidal Hazelton practiced with the veterans Thursday and already drew compliments from his teammates.
``He went up and got one ball and I was like, `Wow, he's a man,' '' defensive end Lawrence Jackson said.
Meanwhile, offensive line coach Pat Ruel told the starting line they were already sharp enough in first-day drills that they could be better than last season's group.

Defensive lineman Travis Tofi reaggravated his stress fracture today and will undergo a CT scan and MRI tomorrow. It's a setback for Tofi, who missed most of spring practice with the injury and thought it healed in the summer.

Wide receiver Travon Patterson was the early star of the young receivers during the first day of practice.
He and freshman cornerback Shareece Wright are already being considered as punt returners, Pete Carroll said.
Desmond Reed practiced but he is not cleared to play and will fly to the Bay Area next week, where his surgeon, Arthur Ting, is expected to examine him.
Reed said he hopes to be cleared for the first game.

Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett is expected to practice today even though he is ineligible. USC coach Pete Carroll and school officials continue to be confident Jarrett will not miss any games once the NCAA rules on his case.
However, if the NCAA wants to take a jab at USC, this would be an opportunity, since the Reggie Bush investigation is making little progress.

With practice starting tomorrow, only three freshmen are still waiting to be certified by the NCAA: Wide receivers Vidal Hazelton, Jamere Holland and David Ausberry. All three are expected to be cleared. And now that you know, so does the L.A. Times.

Everyone reported for training camp today, except for walk-on safety Justin Hart, who has tonsillitis.

In case you have a copy of the 2006 roster, there's been more walk-ons added.

Kicker Troy Van Blarcom might work exclusively at punter this season, because JC transfer David Buehler was so impressive in his tryout. Van Blarcom tried punting in spring practice and it was not a success, but with the late addition of Buehler, a full-time switch might occur.

Why is offensive guard James Wilson an important commitment? He's considered more of a finished product than the Trojans' other line commitment, offensive tackle Martin Coleman of Edison High, because Wilson has more experience.
That means he may not require a redshirt year like most linemen.
It also wasn't that shocking Wilson will travel across the country, because his father lives in California. That said, USC is aggressively recruiting in Florida and could get additional commitments from the Sunshine State.

Because of summer school commitments, USC's first week of practice will change slightly. There will not be as many morning practices for freshmen-only this week, after it was learned there would be class conflicts. It's a byproduct of having a record 19 freshmen enrolled in summer school.

James Wilson of Jacksonville, Fla., rated the No. 2 guard in the nation by Rivals.com, officially committed to USC today. It's significant because the Trojans are focused on securing offensive linemen following problems signing them last year. On another note, only four of this year's incoming recruiting class remains to be certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse, including wide receiver Vidal Hazelton.
Indications are Hazelton should qualify.

Every USC game will be broadcast on 710-AM this season. When there is a conflict with Angels games, the baseball team moves to 830-AM, which was purchased earlier this year by Angels owner Arte Moreno.

When Pac-10 coaches attended a rules meeting last week in Los Angeles, Cal coach Jeff Tedford, Arizona State coach Dirk Koetter and USC's Pete Carroll were the most vocal critics of the new rule that starts the clock on a change of possession when the official signals, not when the ball is snapped.
Coaches expect the rule to shorten the game 10-12 plays minutes and maybe 10-12 plays per team.
Tedford was the most concerned, I hear, with a long list of questions about the new rule. ``He looked like he was up the night before studying it,'' one coach said. Oregon coach Mike Bellotti led a petition from Pac-10 coaches to the NCAA that protested the rule change.

Did you know USC quarterback John David Booty is considered a better choice to win the Heisman Trophy than Cal tailback Marshawn Lynch? That's what oddsmakers believe, anyways. Booty, with only 56 career pass attempts, is considered a 20-1 shot while Lynch is listed at 22-1.
Here's the full odds: