Answer Friday, Part 2
Still a relatively Song Girl-free zone.
Q: I've played sports all my life, and there was always that one teammate that looked like Tarzan, but played like Jane. On this year's football squad, who would you say fits the bill?
A: I need time to think about this one. This type of question usually refers to skill positions or linebackers, because those are the most athletic looking players. But like I said, I need time.
Q: As I read material on the Trojans and their WR recruits, I often read where a WR is either suited for the flanker position or the wide-out position. What are the different skill sets that coaches look for to determine which of these two positions a receiver will play?
A: The slot receiver and flanker are allowed to line up behind the line of scrimmage, which gives them more space before the cornerback can jam them, so they might be faster or smaller. The split end must line up on the line of scrimmage, so he is more constrained and would be more of a possession receiver. The flanker and slot receiver might be considered more likely to get passes because of the extra space but this hardly a rule.
Q: Pete Carroll is the head football coach at USC so it makes sense that he is a former football player himself. Professors in the Engineering School are qualified to teach engineering courses to students because they have degrees in the field. These people have experience and expertise in their fields and that qualifies them for their positions. So does it make any sense that a former Flag Girl is the advisor to the Song Girls?
A: Uh, no. Then again, the advisor is a former song girl, so go figure.
A point of correction, Scott - the coach, not the advisor, is a former Song Girl. The advisor was never a Song Girl.