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 o