March 2007 Archives

That 272-page spring guide put out by Texas claims the Longhorns are third in most all-time television appearances with 352, trailing only Michigan (369) and USC (355).
There's just one problem: According to USC records, the Trojans have 360 TV appearances, not 355.

This blog was born. Twelve months later, you, the readers continue to make it relevant. This month, hits continue at record levels, so once again, take a bow.

If Arkansas quarterback Mitch Mustain transfers to USC this summer, he will have participated in just one less practice than his teammate, wide receiver Damian Williams, who became a Trojan in January.
That’s because an MRI revealed Williams suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder in USC’s first spring practice and he will undergo surgery next week. He will be sidelined at least three months. Williams originally injured his shoulder at Arkansas last season and aggravated the injury during his first practice last week.

Wide receiver Corey Surrency of El Camino College visited USC this week. What's interesting is that a coach said he's never seen someone learn football as quickly as Surrency, who dropped out of high school in the 11th grade and played only flag football. ``It's pretty amazing,'' a coach said.
Surrency, who is originally from South Ridge, Fla., has already been offered by Colorado.

We recently recounted a respectful dinner encounter between USC and UCLA players involving linebacker Brian Cushing. But linebacker Rey Maualuga said when he bumped into some Bruins at a local restaurant, there was little to talk about.
``We have our own sides of the restaurant,'' Maualuga said. ``It's more like a competition. We're just keeping to ourselves because we're hungry for next year's game and going to come out fighting.''

C.J. Gable is always mentioned as one of the first tailbacks who would switch positions, but if the Trojans put out a depth chart today, he would be the No. 1 tailback.

Here's more than you will ever want to know about the walk-ons who recently made the team:

Mozique McCurtis is playing cornerback, nickel back and safety in practices, the only player to perform at three different positions in the secondary.

It's no longer considered inconceivable that Steve Smith could get drafted ahead of Dwayne Jarrett. Likely? Probably not.
But NFL people are not scoffing at the idea anymore.

A USC coach said this week he detected hostile feelings during a visit to Dorsey High School, apparently over the use (or lack of use) regarding tailback Stafon Johnson. Johnson said this week his injured shoulder feels better and he will be ready for training camp, although there remains the possibility he will transfer.

Fullback Jody Adewale said he was asked again to participate in spring drills by the coaching staff but declined because of time constraints and because he already got a job.

Before Pro Day, wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett was considered a mid-to-late first round pick. After Pro Day, he's considered a mid-to-late first round pick. His slow 40 time was not considered a huge setback.
``We didn't expect him to be fast anyways,'' one NFL coach said.

Former USC wide receiver Johhnie Morton will fight Mixed Martial Arts legend Royce Gracie for pay-per-view TV at the Coliseum in June.

Here's some other Pro Day times, including Sultan McCullough's 4.51.

Dwayne Jarrett ran a slower time (4.62) in the 40 at Pro Day than Dallas Sartz (4.58). Some NFL teams clocked Jarrett at 4.64 and 4.65.

Texas just put out a 272-page spring football media guide even though NCAA rules state guides must be limited to 208 pages.

Memo to Internet recruiting websites. Now we're hearing that Compton High defensive end Datone Jones is probably the shakiest commitment from the recent haul of prospects by UCLA.

OK, maybe we spoke too soon when we recounted our favorite Pro Day memory. We now hear that former USC tailback Sultan McCullough and linebacker Mike Pollard will also be participating in tomorrow's Pro Day.
We thought Pro Day was reserved for ``current'' USC players but apparently were mistaken. This at least adds some drama to the festivities, which were sorely lacking with Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and 3,000 fans skipping this year's workout.

USC broke out the shotgun offense today with quarterback John David Booty enjoying the formation he ran in high school.
"It might help us out," Pete Carroll said.
"It's not any big transition for John David."
Vidal Hazelton and Fred Davis got extensive work today with lots of downfield passes. Carroll also praised the freshmen linemen, like Zach Heberer and Butch Lewis.

With Pro Day tomorrow, it's time to recount our favorite story involving football player workouts before NFL teams. Back in 2001 before there was so much interest, tight end Antoine Harris worked out for scouts and coaches when word spread that the police and campus security were headed to Howard Jones Field because of an alleged sexual assault accusation.
Before law enforcement arrived, however, Harris took off his cleats, jumped the fence at Howard Jones Field and fled the scene.
Harris eventually cooperated with authorities and no charges were filed.

For the past few years, Pete Carroll adopted a recruiting strategy he observed most notably at Florida State. Carroll learned that elite schools could afford to wait longer than other schools at securing commitments, and it was OK to have only four or five by December.
The idea was it made for better evaluations because you could actually see a recruit play his senior season. Well, USC's been forced to modify that philosophy because the recruiting season's become so much more accelerated.
The Trojans already seven commitments and are offering many other recruits. The reason is simple: If USC waits, other schools will use it against them, telling recruits they must not be wanted if they haven't been offered a scholarship by the Trojans.
So now we have intense recruiting battles in March.

El Camino College kicker Joe Houston might not have gained admission to USC, but former Nebraska kicker Jordan Congdon showed up for practice last weekend and reaffirmed he would join the Trojans next year.

Florida fans are purchasing personalized commemorative bricks to be laid on the Gator Walk near Florida Field, honoring UF’s 2006 BCS national crown.

One of the top recruits USC signed in February must avoid getting any D's this spring to gain eligibility for the fall. We hear the recruit, who hails from Southern California, has an extremely difficult teacher for one class, that gives some at his high school quite a bit of concern.

With NFL teams currently saying wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett is a mid-to-late first round draft pick, would it have made a difference if he returned for his senior season and cracked the top 10?
``We're only talking about $10 million,'' one coach said.

NFL teams say they are wavering on whether wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett should be a mid-or-late first round choice. Jarrett's Pro Day workout could answer those lingering questions.
Center Ryan Kalil is believed to be a first-round draft choice. Wide receiver Steve Smith's become a prototype ``third-down receiver'' according to several sources. That could make him a second-or-third round pick, but he could fall if teams decide they can afford to wait and take him later.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez worked more with the first team today, as players like John David Booty, Sam Baker and Sedrick Ellis were given a break. Tailback C.J. Gable did not practice after jamming his foot on Friday but should return Tuesday.
Cornerback-safety Mozique McCurtis also sat out with a sore knee. USC coach Pete Carroll singled out fullback Stanley Havili as someone who stood out in early practices. The kicking game, without snapper Will Collins, proved to be an adventure Sunday.

Our El Camino College sources tell us kicker Joe Houston did not get accepted by USC and will not be a walk-on in the fall.

Colorado coach Dan Hawkins is on campus today for a coaches clinic. Perhaps he can bump into Mark Sanchez to further fuel last week's Internet rumors after Sanchez watched his friend practice at Colorado.

Wide receiver Damian Williams, the transfer from Arkansas, said he will undergo an MRI on Monday or Tuesday because of suspected cartilege damage in his shoulder. He stretched a ligament in his shoulder last season at Arkansas and may have aggravated the injury during Tuesday's opening spring practice.

Mater Dei offensive tackle Khaled Holmes stopped by USC today and was offered a scholarship. Meanwhile, this weekend's coaches clinic drew 530 participants to hear Pete Carroll and others speak, nearly double last season's total. There were only 300 registered two weeks ago.

Is there a chance someone would get moved to fullback for spring practice to alleviate the shortage?
"It's possible," assistant coach Todd McNair said. "We haven't discussed it yet but we might have to do something."

We've mentioned before how USC can always go out-of-state to find recruits these days if it loses someone locally. Someone who fits that model is offensive tackle Kyle Long (6-7, 275) from Charlottesville, Va. He will be invited to the summer camp and is the son of former Raiders defensive lineman Howie Long.

Looks like the decision to ask Jody Adewale for his scholarship was not the wisest decision in hindsight.
http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_5501142

Cornerback Martin Blencowe ran a 4.3 40 during the walk-on tryouts this week. Now if the former rugby player can actually use that speed on the football field will be determined in the next few weeks.

Linebacker Brian Cushing strained his hamstring and will undergo an MRI on Monday. It’s not known how long he will be out. Cushing was on crutches Thursday night but also walked on his own without problems.
``It really scared me at first,’’ Cushing said. ``I thought it was a tear. I’ve never done that before. We’ll see how long it takes. It’s not like there is a game on Saturday.’’
The initial reaction at USC was that it could have been worse.

Linebacker Brian Cushing felt a pop in his hamstring and looks like he will be out awhile.
"Its a really legitimate pull, unfortunately," USC coach Pete Carroll said.

Brian Cushing went down right now and was helped off the field. He's getting his leg examined although initial indications are it is not serious.
Michael Coleman is dressed but not practicing. Same for Will Harris and Jamere Holland. Long touchdown catches for Travon Patterson and Allen Bradford so far.

How was he in one workout? ``John David is more fit and stronger than he's been,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said.

Is it fullback Stanley Havili? At least in terms of the depth crisis at the spot.
Michael Coleman (hip) is not 100 percent, Brandon Hancock is not returning for a sixth year and the Trojans took two walk-ons at the position yesterday.
``We're really counting on (Havili),'' USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``He can do all the stuff a fullback needs to do. He's the fastest guy we've had next to Hancock.''

Eleven players made the team today following walk-on tryouts, notably punter Billy O'Mally, who was the most impressive kicker. Punter Parker St. Clair also made the team.
Here's the list of players:

Wide receiver Jamere Holland suffered a groin injury during the first practice Tuesday.

Senior tailback Chauncey Washington said he isn't worried about freshmen Joe McKnight, Marc Tyler or Broderick Green.
``Nothing against those guys, but when you're young, you need to come to camp and learn what it means to be a Trojan,'' Washington said.
Right now, Washington's bigger concern is academics because he is struggling this semester.
``I just got lazy the first few weeks of school,'' Washington said. ``It’s more from not going to classes. I got too much of myself. It happens.''

Fullback Brandon Hancock said he will not participate in Pro Day, which is probably a wise decision since he underwent knee surgery last August. Hancock wanted to workout for the pro teams, to see if he could impress any coaches/scouts and as a final gesture to his football career.

Yesterday, a Nebraska radio station called and the first question asked was about USC's untested wide receivers. For the first practice, sophomore Vidal Hazelton and redshirt freshman David Ausberry stood out. Ausberry looks big enough to play tight end and will fill the ``big receiver role'' even with Patrick Turner starting.
Hazelton's good impression is not surprising. He did the same thing in training camp before hitting a wall. It will be interesting to see if he avoids the same fate in the spring.

Arkansas quarterback Mitch Mustain will visit USC again during spring practice, probably around the time of the spring game at the Coliseum.
``Right now, I can’t say honestly where he will transfer but he loved it out here and he is coming back to watch spring practices,’’ former Arkansas and current USC wide receiver Damian Williams said. ``He’s trying to sort things out and make a decision.''
Williams spent last week in Arkansas and said he talked to Mustain every day.

Nick Howell would start at center, according to offensive line coach Pat Ruel. Jeff Byers worked at left guard Tuesday.

We don't usually get too crazy about one day of practice, but Pete Carroll just told us this was the best first day in spring drills since he's been at USC.

Pete Carroll praised the wide receivers after the first practice. "They exceeded my expectations," he said.
Drew Radovich moved to right tackle and C.J. Gable got most of the reps at tailback.

USC has four players on the Lombardi Award preliminary watch list, the most in the nation. TCU is second with three.

Wide receiver Jamere Holland was pulled off the track team Monday and will join the football team for spring practices. Holland sat out last season with a broken collarbone though he did participate in some bowl practices.