On one wild play during the team run period, wideout Travon Patterson had the ball popped loose after a reception, and it bounded away several yards down the field, setting off a crazy chase for the ball by nearly all 22 players. A massive dogpile ensued, and the offense magically came up with the ball after fighting for it in the pile for nearly a minute.
The coaches heaped praises on the offensive players for coming back with the ball.
“That’s a hell of a play right there,” Coach Carroll admiringly told the offense.
“That’s called finishing,” offensive line coach Pat Ruel joyously exclaimed.
Spotlight 04-03-2008 7:03 p.m.
Several Trojans posted shining performances Thursday:
- Wideout Ronald Johnson laid a massive blindside block on a linebacker at the line of scrimmage that sprang tailback C.J. Gable to a big run. - Tailback Allen Bradford had several big rushes on the day, with the most powerful coming during the team run period, when he broke free for a long gain up the middle on the first play of the session. - In the final team period, tailback Broderick Green dashed for a long run, which included an overpowering stiff-arm on a linebacker.
Dispatch from Howard Jones 04-03-2008 7:02 p.m.
Thoughts from Thursday’s practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt…
- Cornerback Kevin Thomas had an interception — his third in two practices — and linebacker Malcolm Smith had a pick of his own on the last play of the day to provide a fitting finish to “Turnover Thursday.” The defense won the themed practice for the second straight week. “We love you, offense,” defensive end Kyle Moore jokingly sang at the end of practice. - Though the defense won the turnover battle, the offense was a touchdown-producing machine Thursday, as all three quarterbacks displayed notable precision and poise throughout the practice. The wideouts also turned in a spectacular performance, as they made remarkable catches in the end zone all day. - In full pads for the second time this spring, the Trojans laid on the heavy hits Thursday. On one play during team period, cornerback Cary Harris leveled wideout Travon Patterson on a wide receiver screen play, causing his defensive teammates to erupt in cheers. But the resilient Patterson immediately popped back up as if nothing happened. - The Trojans practiced backed-up situations, with the offense doing exceptionally well coming from the shadows of their own goal line. Mark Sanchez and Mitch Mustain both directed smart, gainful drives to get into the open field.
Go time 04-03-2008 3:56 p.m.
Practice is about to begin, and besides the aforementioned “finishing,” here are a few other points of emphasis today:
- It’s “Turnover Thursday,” so the offense is looking to rebound from a turnover-filled practice last week. - The kickoff unit will get a specialized period. - The team will introduce backed-up situations, giving both the offense and defense work right up against the goal line.
We’ll return in a few hours with a report from the field.
Flattering words
04-03-2008 3:23 p.m.
Check out this complete recap on Pro Day from USA Today, which calls Wednesday’s pre-draft showcase at USC “the preeminent collegiate football workout of the year.”
Underway
04-03-2008 3:11 p.m.
The team meeting just ended, but how it started was the coolest part. Coach Carroll dug up some long-lost film of current linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. playing for the Dallas Cowboys in the early ’90s — “so we can respect our elders,” Carroll joked.
During the meeting, the coaches emphasized finishing to the players, stressing the importance of playing through the whistle on every down. It will most surely be a focal point throughout today’s practice.
“Make it who you are,” offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian told the team about finishing. “Make sure you’re not just a ‘sometimes’ guy.”
The prankster at work again
04-03-2008 2:08 p.m.
Coach Carroll had an April Fool’s Day joke up his sleeve after all.
During Tuesday’s team meeting, he tricked the team into believing defensive end Everson Griffen was getting arrested for physically assaulting a freshman. Turns out, the “physical assault” occurred on the practice field a few days earlier, when Griffen went head-to-head with offensive lineman Matt Meyer.
See the silly prank for yourself in the newest video from USCRipsIt, produced by Mark Haas:
You can call him Al
04-03-2008 1:58 p.m.
Coach Carroll is doing his best Paul Simon impression in his office right now, as he’s singing along to “You can call me Al” while watching film from Tuesday’s practice before the meetings get rolling at 2:15 p.m.
Coming up
04-03-2008 1:46 p.m.
You’ve seen Mark Sanchez mic’d up during a recent practice, and you’ll get a chance to see the other two quarterbacks in action, too. Aaron Corp and Mitch Mustain mic’d up video features are coming soon, and they’ll give you an inside perspective on the quarterbacks and allow you to live Trojan football.
Missing numbers
04-03-2008 12:24 p.m.
We received a few questions concerning what appear to be holes in the results from Pro Day. But they’re not omitted numbers.
Several players chose to skip certain drills and tests Wednesday either because they had already done them at the NFL Combine or because of an injury.
Congratulations!
04-03-2008 11:40 a.m.
Newly hired graduate assistant Kris Richard’s wife, Chandra, gave birth to the couple’s second child Tuesday, a boy named Aiden.
Hard-hitting news
04-03-2008 11:11 a.m.
The Trojans will be in full pads for today’s practice.
For a good read...
04-03-2008 10:19 a.m.
Of all the performances at Wednesday’s Pro Day, Coach Carroll might be the most impressed with linebacker Thomas Williams’ showing, which surely rose his draft stock after he posted a great individual workout and excellent running times.
Director of football operations Dennis Slutak has had an eventful last 10 days.
To say the least.
He’s organized Pro Day, a two-day coaches clinic, walk-on tryouts and five Trojan practices. Read all about this insane task in the newest article from USCRipsIt.
Pro Day videos 04-03-2008 9:17 a.m.
The NFL Network has some great video features from Wednesday’s Pro Day. Check them out:
After a full day of looking at the future of past Trojans, it’s back to focusing on the future of the current Trojans today, as coaches start preparation for Spring Practice No. 6 with a staff meeting in the War Room beginning right now.
- On Sedrick Ellis, Keith Rivers and Sam Baker, who all stayed for their senior years instead of going pro last season: “All those guys have a chance to be the top guy at their position. They helped themselves out tremendously by staying.”
- On tailback Chauncey Washington, who ran a 4.35 40-yard dash: “His time really legitimized where he’s going in the draft.”
- On linebacker Thomas Williams, who had an impressive overall workout, including a 4.7 40: “I’m sure his stock rose considerably today.”
- On defensive end Alex Morrow and tight end Dale Thompson, two lesser-known players who excelled Wednesday: “They did a lot for themselves today. They really performed well in their drills.”
Looking at the QB
04-02-2008 4:21 p.m.
John David Booty waited more than two hours for his individual workout Wednesday. It was apparently well worth the wait. Completing both short and deep passes with accuracy and confidence, Booty shined during his 85-throw workout, run by offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian.
“He not only showed his physical tools out there today, but also his mental toughness,” Sarkisian said. “When you are out there for so long without a break, you’ve really got to prove your stamina, and he did that very well.”
Booty was calm throughout the day, but especially relieved at the end of the session.
“For me it was a chance to do what I’ve always done,” Booty said. “There was no nervousness.”
Both Sarkisian and Booty praised his deep-route throwing ability in particular.
“I really showed what I was capable of doing on the deep balls,” Booty said.
Wrap it up 04-02-2008 3:36 p.m.
Pro Day has come to an end after more than four hours of tests and drills. Here are the most notable numbers from the day:
- Chauncey Washington ran a 4.35 40-yard dash. - Keith Rivers posted a 42-inch vertical jump. - Sedrick Ellis recorded 36 reps on the 225-pound bench press test.
Pictures and more info are coming shortly.
One down, one to go 04-02-2008 12:08 p.m.
The measurement and weight room testing period of Pro Day has just finished, and now the players and NFL personnel are heading out to Loker Track Stadium to run 10-, 20- and 40-yard dashes and agility drills, including the pro agility test, three-cone drill and 60-yard shuttle. Following that, players will have individual workouts by position group.
We’ll have pictures and results coming later today.
Test day 04-02-2008 11:26 a.m.
Here’s what’s on the docket for the measurement and testing session, which begins now in the weight room of Heritage Hall:
- Height and weight - Arm length - Hand width - Standing long jump - Flexibility - Vertical jump - Bench press (225-pound reps)
Whopping numbers 04-02-2008 11:24 a.m.
Registration has completed, and a stunning 88 NFL personnel are in attendance today, the highest number in recent memory at USC.
It’s even significantly more than when Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush had their Pro Day in 2006.
“It’s not even close,” said director of football operations Dennis Slutak, who runs the event. “This year is way more.”
Also, more than 70 media members have been credentialed for today’s event.
Character sketches 04-02-2008 11:06 a.m.
Coach Carroll just completed his introduction in a jam-packed Heritage Auditorium, and the weight lifting and measurements will begin shortly. During Carroll’s 20-minute speech, he went through each of the 17 recently graduated Trojans, giving refreshing candor about the character qualities and lesser-known stories of each former Trojan that get lost in the stats, test results and accolades.
“These scouts and coaches know so much about what the guys have accomplished over the last few months in combines, so I was trying to give them a peek at what our guys have been like for us over the last four years,” Carroll said.
An NFL scout takes notes as Coach Carroll discusses his former players during Pro Day’s introductory meeting.
And it begins 04-02-2008 10:24 a.m.
Coach Carroll’s introduction to Pro Day is starting in a few minutes in the Heritage Auditorium, where he’ll introduce the coaching staff, make comments about the players and hold a Q&A session for the roughly 100 NFL personnel in attendance today.
The measurements and weight room tests immediately follow at 11 a.m.
Huge day ahead 04-02-2008 10:12 a.m.
Still with 20 minutes to go before Pro Day festivities begin, 80 NFL scouts, coaches and administrators have already checked in at Heritage Hall, providing a sign of how big this day will be.
Working away 04-02-2008 9:46 a.m.
While most attention is turned to former USC players today, the current Trojans are plowing ahead. Players have been attending 40-minute workouts in the weight room this morning on an off day from practice.
(Clockwise from top) Tight end Anthony McCoy (headband), linebacker Rey Maualuga, safety Taylor Mays, defensive end Gerald Washington and linebacker Malcolm Smith go through a weight circuit under the direction of assistant strength coach Ivan Lewis (left).
A couple more 04-02-2008 9:45 a.m.
Two more past Trojans have been added to the roster of participants at Pro Day. Offensive lineman Chilo Rachal and wideout Kareem Kelly (who last played at USC in 2002) will be joining the pre-draft showcase today at Heritage Hall and Loker Track Stadium.
A special experience 04-02-2008 9:08 a.m.
On Tuesday, USCRipsIt hosted its first practice contest winners, and for the two victors, “it was a great time and a lot of fun.”
This week’s contest winners, Jimmy Madril and Ignacio Corona of Riverside, got to tour the athletic facilities, attend practice, meet Coach Carroll, get autographs and eat at the Galen Dining Center, all as special guests of the program.
We’ll be doing the same thing for the next two Tuesdays during Spring Practice, so make sure you join the contest by adding your e-mail address to the USCRipsIt/PeteCarroll.com mailing list.
Ignacio Corona (left) and Jimmy Madril (right) pose for a picture with Coach Carroll as part of their USCRipsIt practice contest experience Tuesday.
Jimmy Madril (left) and Ignacio Corona (right), the two winners of the USCRipsIt practice experience, pose with linebacker Rey Maualuga.
The list 04-02-2008 8:31 a.m.
Twenty-seven former Trojans — including walk-ons and blasts from the past — will be participating in today’s Pro Day. They are:
1. Sam Baker – OL 2. John David Booty – QB 3. Will Collins – Long snapper 4. Fred Davis – TE 5. Hershel Dennis – RB 6. Sedrick Ellis – DL 7. Lawrence Jackson – DL 8. Alex Morrow – DL 9. Drew Radovich – OL 10. Desmond Reed – RB 11. Keith Rivers – LB 12. Matt Spanos – OL 13. Terrell Thomas – DB 14. Dale Thompson – TE 15. Chauncey Washington – RB 16. Thomas Williams – LB 17. Chilo Rachal – OL
Walk-ons 18. Brad Smith – PK 19. Brent Yoshida – WR/CB
Past USC Players 20. Whitney Lewis – WR (transferred to Northern Iowa) 21. Tom Malone – P (has been in several NFL training camps in recent years) 22. Sultan McCullough – RB (last played for USC in 2002) 23. Will Poole – DB (drafted by Dolphins in 2004) 24. Darryl Poston – RB (transferred to Utah) 25. R. Jay Soward – WR (former first-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars) 26. Troy Van Blarcom – PK (transferred to Kansas Wesleyan) 27. Kareem Kelly – WR (last played for USC in 2002)
Pro Day has come 04-02-2008 8:22 a.m.
NFL personnel have already descended on Heritage Hall this morning, and the official Pro Day activities begin at 10:30 with a talk from Coach Carroll. The measurements and weight room tests start at 11 and the running and agility drills kick off around 11:45 a.m.
Stay with USCRipsIt throughout the day for up-to-date and behind-the-scenes information from Pro Day.
Start the day off right 04-02-2008 8:09 a.m.
It might be Pro Day, but the coaching staff still has business to take care of on the home front.
“Let’s go, let’s go,” Coach Carroll just belted out. “We’ve got some recruiting to do.”
The coaches are gathering now in the War Room for the usual Wednesday recruiting meeting, during which they review film of 2009 prospects.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Aaron Corp turned in a flawless five-play series during team period Tuesday that exemplified his versatility in the pocket. He converted five consecutive plays into gains during a blitz-heavy segment of practice, a remarkable feat considering the defense was sending up to eight guys into the pocket.
Corp confidently connected with receiver Brandon Carswell over the middle to start it off, and then completed a 10-yard pass to wideout David Ausberry on the left sideline. On the third play of the series, he escaped the intense blitz and ran for a 10-yard gain. Then to finish off his perfect drive, he completed a well-thrown ball to wide receiver Patrick Turner and a just-in-the-nick-of-time screen to tailback Broderick Green.
Then, to top the day off, he rolled out left on one play near the end of practice and scampered for a 20-yard gain, showing off his speed and elusiveness.
Interception city 04-01-2008 7:36 p.m.
The defense had a pick party on Howard Jones field, turning the competition-themed day into turnover Tuesday. Cornerback Kevin Thomas led the way with two picks and nearly a third near the end of the day. Safety Taylor Mays stepped in front of a crossing route for an interception of his own, and linebacker Nick Garratt recorded a spectacular diving pick during team play.
Dispatch from Howard Jones 04-01-2008 7:35 p.m.
Thoughts from Tuesday’s practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt…
- Competition ruled the day, and the defense took home a dominating overall victory on the day, which gives the hard-hitting crew a 3-2 lead over the offense through five practices this spring. Playful, yet competition-fueled banter was exchanged throughout the practice between offensive and defensive players fighting for victories on every play. - Tailback Joe McKnight continued to impress Tuesday with several shining examples of athleticism, both as a runner and receiver. - Besides competition, the day’s focus also centered on a unique 2nd-and-7 drill during the final team period. The offense got two downs to make a first down, so it emphasized putting them in a manageable third-down situation. The defense and offense split the 10-play series. - Several NFL personnel, who are in L.A. before Wednesday’s Pro Day, attended practice, including former USC coach Ed Orgeron and past front-office staffer Mark Jackson.
Off to work 04-01-2008 3:55 p.m.
It’s time for a spring version of Competition Tuesday, so we’ll return in few hours with a report from Howard Jones field.
The time is now 04-01-2008 3:37 p.m.
After today’s practice, the Trojans will already be a third of the way through Spring Practice, so coaches are pushing a sense of urgency for the players.
“If you want it, you’ve got to go get it,” offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian told the offensive players in their meeting this afternoon. “Let’s go.”
Playboy stars 04-01-2008 3:28 p.m.
Safety Taylor Mays and linebackers Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing have been named to the Playboy Preseason All-American team, Coach Carroll announced during this afternoon’s team meeting.
John Morton Mic’d Up 04-01-2008 3:17 p.m.
John Morton is typically a behind-the-scenes, cerebral kind of coach, but you can get an inside glimpse at the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach through the latest mic’d up feature from USCRipsIt. The video, which was taped during Friday’s practice, was produced by Mark Haas.
Take off 04-01-2008 2:09 p.m.
Day 5 of Spring Practice 2008 is about to get rolling with a special teams meeting focused on the punt unit at 2:15 p.m. The team, offensive/defensive and position meetings follow before the Trojans take the field at 4 p.m.
Radio waves 04-01-2008 1:42 p.m.
The NFL approved a new rule today that will permit coaches to have radio contact with a defensive player on the field, allowing teams to make play calls easier and faster than via hand signals.
While USC defensive coordinator Nick Holt says he’d love to have that advantage for communicating with his defense on the field, he doesn’t think it’s necessary in the college game.
“If the offenses don’t have it, then we definitely don’t need it,” Holt said.
Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is an ardent supporter of college football going to the now-elementary coach-to-quarterback radio communication.
“The more communication the better,” Sarkisian said.
Fool’s gold 04-01-2008 1:18 p.m.
He’s been known to pull a few youthful pranks in the last few years, but Coach Carroll doesn’t have anything up his sleeve for April Fools’ Day.
Or so he says.
“No, nothing planned,” Carroll said with a smirk. “I wish I did.”
Field vision 04-01-2008 11:32 a.m.
Are they the latest fad or a practical piece of equipment?
That’s the discussion going around Heritage Hall concerning the clear plastic visors many Trojans have affixed to their facemasks. Director of equipment operations Dave Scott calls them the newest gear trend for players, while football equipment coordinator Tino Dominguez thinks they’re purely purposeful.
“Because it’s such a hassle to clean the inside all the time, the cool element’s not there anymore,” Dominguez said. “It’s all functional now.”
You see, the visors fog up when it’s hot and players’ vision is impaired when it rains, so they can actually be a disturbance to players at times. For example, in the damp game at Cal last season, equipment staffers had to frantically remove the visors from all players’ helmets during warm-ups because their vision was so marred by the water on the visors.
But, there are benefits to the visors, especially for wide receivers and linebackers, the groups that utilize the visors the most. Players say they have a larger field of vision while avoiding getting poked in the eye.
As popular as they are now — nearly 20 players have them — the visors could be even more of a craze, Dominguez said. An NCAA rule change before the 2006 season does not allow for tinted visors anymore, and now only the clear ones are permitted because of medical reasons (doctors need to be able to see the eyes on serious head and neck injuries).
“Bring back the tinted ones and everyone will be getting them,” Dominguez said.
Players such as wideout Vidal Hazelton have been utilizing clear plastic visors on their facemasks recently.
Little brother 04-01-2008 10:47 a.m.
Check out this great feature on sophomore linebacker Malcolm Smith, the younger brother or former Trojan wideout Steve, from today’s Daily Trojan.
Detail-oriented 04-01-2008 10:14 a.m.
Often lost in the big bodies and long touchdowns are the details. But the little aspects of football receive the biggest focus for the Trojans on a day-to-day basis. See how it’s the smallest things that matter the most for the Trojans in a special 22-image photo essay from USCRipsIt.
Business meeting 04-01-2008 9:24 a.m.
Tight ends coach Brennan Carroll is pounding the big bass drum in his office and other coaches are screaming, “We up!”
In case you needed more cues, it’s time for the morning staff meeting. Coaches are congregating in the War Room right now to kick off the day, the fifth of Spring Practice 2008.
Reminder 04-01-2008 9:19 a.m.
Pro Day is tomorrow, but it’s closed to the public. Only students with valid USC IDs, credentialed media and NFL personnel will be allowed to attend.
Mark Sanchez Mic’d Up 03-31-2008 6:10 p.m.
Check out a reedited and enhanced piece on Mark Sanchez mic’d up for practice in the latest feature from USCRipsIt, produced by Mark Haas. And be sure to watch it to the very end.
The week ahead 03-31-2008 4:37 p.m.
Here’s what’s on the practice agenda for the Trojans this week. As always, the schedule is subject to change.
- Tuesday, 4 p.m. • “Competition Tuesday,” half pads - Thursday, 4 p.m. • “Turnover Thursday,” half pads - Friday, 4 p.m. • Special teams review, helmets and shorts - Sunday, 11 a.m. • Scrimmage, full pads
Hard at work 03-31-2008 3:29 p.m.
After taking the morning off, the USC coaches are making the most of their afternoons. They’ve been in offensive and defensive staff meetings for most of the last few hours, analyzing film and assessing the team on the first week of Spring Practice.
Photogenic 03-31-2008 2:23 p.m.
In the last five minutes, Coach Carroll has gone from a film session with the defensive coaches to a photo shoot in the Varsity Lounge to a meeting in his office. He just returned from the photo shoot, which is for Athlon’s preseason preview magazine that’ll hit the stands this summer. Here are some pictures of Carroll in the makeshift photography studio in Heritage Hall:
Getting ready 03-31-2008 11:56 a.m.
With Pro Day only two days away, Heritage Hall has turned into the site of a Trojan alumni reunion. John David Booty, Fred Davis and Terrell Thomas are among the recently graduated seniors who have returned to USC this morning and been working out in Heritage Hall in preparation for Wednesday’s pre-draft showcase on campus.
Lift away 03-31-2008 10:32 a.m.
The coaches might have the morning off, but the players sure don’t.
The Trojans have been attending 40-minute workouts throughout the morning, as the strength and conditioning staff aims to maintain the players’ strength levels through Spring Practice and into the summer.
They worked till midnight on Friday for the coaches clinic, much of Saturday for the clinic and all day Sunday for practice, so Coach Carroll decreed this morning off for the coaching staff.
But that hasn’t stopped many of them from coming into work. Several of the coaches are already poring over film and meeting with each other this morning, even though they don’t officially meet until this afternoon and the next practice isn’t until Tuesday.
Swinging for the fences 03-30-2008 6:12 p.m.
Take a look at this light-hearted clip about the USC coaches taking batting practice at the Coliseum last Wednesday, presented to you by USCRipsIt. The feature was produced by Mark Haas and videography credit goes to Eric Espinoza.
A look ahead 03-30-2008 2:39 p.m.
The Trojans will take Monday off from practice before returning to Howard Jones field on Tuesday. They’ll also practice Thursday, Friday and Sunday of the coming week, with short strength and conditioning workouts on Monday and Wednesday.
“There’s a lot of good stuff. It’s really encouraging.”
A controlled scrimmage 03-30-2008 1:53 p.m.
The Trojans ended the day with a “move the ball” period (a situational controlled scrimmage), and, for the most part, the defense dominated during the five separate drives.
Tailback Stafon Johnson scampered for a long touchdown run on the first drive, guided by Mark Sanchez, and Mitch Mustain connected with wideout Ronald Johnson for a 40-yard bomb in the end zone on the first play of the final drive. A short field goal by Joe Houston was the only other score in the period.
Any given Sunday 03-30-2008 1:52 p.m.
Wide receivers coach John Morton came to USC from the NFL, so it makes sense that he was elated during practice — the Trojans were playing on the same day the pros play on.
“This is awesome,” Morton exclaimed to his players. “Football on Sunday, I love this!”
Wide open 03-30-2008 1:52 p.m.
Coach Carroll, on the vacancy at the long snapper position:
“It’s still an open competition. We’re not even a C-minus yet.”
Dispatch from Howard Jones 03-30-2008 1:51 p.m.
Thoughts from Sunday’s practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt…
- Joe McKnight had another impressive day, making stunning plays throughout practice. During team period alone, he made a soaring one-handed catch over the middle and a shake-and-bake move that paralyzed the linebacker and sprung him to a big gain. Both plays produced ooohs and aaahs from his teammates. - Coach Carroll praised the work of the offensive line so far during Spring Practice, especially considering only one 2007 starter returns to the unit. “At this point I’m most impressed with the offensive line,” he said. “They’re doing a great job.” - The receivers turned in a big day during 1-on-1s, catching almost every pass that came their way during the 15-minute period. Patrick Turner and McKnight, who took several reps with the wideouts Sunday, both registered leaping grabs over the cornerback during the period. - Though the Trojans didn’t officially scrimmage Sunday, their team run, 7-on-7 and team periods featured full-on football action, including cut blocks, tackling and heavy-duty hits.
Hitting the field 03-30-2008 10:49 a.m.
The Trojans’ body clocks might not be used to practicing in the morning, but the dreary-eyed players will surely wake up soon if they haven’t done so already. After all, the full pads are on and the big hits will be coming during today’s practice.
We’ll return in a few hours with a report from Howard Jones.
Pro Day 03-30-2008 10:32 a.m.
USC’s Pro Day is Wednesday, but it’ll be a small-scale affair because of new NCAA rules that limit the spectators at such an event.
Unlike two years ago, when Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush attracted thousands of fans to Pro Day at Loker Stadium, Wednesday’s pre-draft showcase will only be seen by USC students with valid IDs, credentialed media and scouts and personnel from most, if not all, NFL teams.
The day gets started around 10:30 a.m. with introductions by Coach Carroll and lifting tests. The running portion of the event will begin around 11:30 a.m. at Loker Stadium on USC’s campus.
Besides the recently graduated Trojans, past players Tom Malone, Will Poole and Darryl Poston are also scheduled to participate in the pre-draft showcase.
Time management 03-30-2008 10:10 a.m.
During today’s practice, the offense will work on adjusting to college football’s new 40-second play clock, which starts at the completion of every play, à la the NFL. Until this coming season, college football had used a 25-second play clock that started after the ball was marked and chains were set.
The new play clock will especially impact the game on big plays, because the offense will have to run down the field, call a play and line up in a relatively short amount of time, so today’s practice will feature some of these time-sensitive scenarios.
A part of history 03-30-2008 9:06 a.m.
For once, he was in the Coliseum stands, witnessing history on the revered field.
Coach Carroll was one of the world-record 115,300 fans who watched the Dodgers-Red Sox game at the Coliseum on Saturday night, and he’s bubbling with excitement this morning.
“Everything about it was just really cool, really fun,” Carroll said. “Going in, seeing the opening ceremonies, the peristyle, the atmosphere, all of it was awesome. It was truly a special night.”
A beautiful morning 03-30-2008 8:24 a.m.
Day 4 of Spring Practice 2008 has gotten started, as the coaches convened for a staff meeting at 8 a.m. The special teams and team meeting begins at 9, and a full-pads practice is on the field at 11 a.m.
