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Losing a member of the Trojan Family 04-08-2008 8:18 p.m.
Joe Shell, the captain of USC’s 1939 national championship team, died Monday in Bakersfield. He was 89.
Shell, who later became a California State Assemblyman, was a blocking halfback for the Trojans, who went 21-6-4 and won a pair of Rose Bowls during Shell’s three seasons at USC.
A graveside service will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Bakersfield, with a memorial to follow at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Bakersfield.
Tailback Allen Bradford took advantage of his brief position switch Tuesday.
On one play during the final team period of practice, Bradford lined up as a fullback, took the handoff and sprinted up the middle almost untouched for a 50-plus-yard touchdown, thanks in part to a vicious downfield block by wideout Travon Patterson.
Shoeless Ronald 04-08-2008 7:21 p.m.
On one crazy play during the practice-ending team period, wide receiver Ronald Johnson lost his shoe while trying to make a cut following a short reception from Mark Sanchez. The one-shoed man made it a few more yards before being tackled.
“You don’t need that shoe!” tight ends coach Brennan Carroll exclaimed as Johnson scampered away with a shoe on one foot and nothing but his black sock on the other.
Dispatch from Howard Jones 04-08-2008 7:20 p.m.
Thoughts from Tuesday’s practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt…
- The defense squeaked out a narrow 16-14 victory in the final team period of Competition Tuesday, highlighted by a Clay Matthews Jr. fumble recovery on a bumbled reverse play by the offense. - Though the defense captured the overall win Tuesday, the offense showed glimpses of greatness during the situational overtime period to end the day. Aaron Corp guided the second-team offense to a 41-yard David Buehler field goal against the second-team defense to begin the overtime before Mark Sanchez directed an efficient scoring drive against the first-team defense, which ended with a one-yard touchdown to tight end Rhett Ellison. - Hustle play of the day: Tight end Rhett Ellison ran halfway across the field and shoved two defenders out of the way to fall on a loose ball and save the offense from giving up a turnover. - Trojan alums Sedrick Ellis and Michael McDonald attended practice.
Heading out 04-08-2008 3:55 p.m.
The Trojans are taking the field for Tuesday’s competition-themed practice, so we’ll return in a few hours with a report from Howard Jones.
Aaron Corp Mic’d Up 04-08-2008 3:25 p.m.
You’ve seen Mark Sanchez mic’d up, now here’s your chance to see Aaron Corp wired for sound at a recent USC practice. See what the redshirt freshman quarterback is like on the field in the newest video from USCRipsIt, produced by Mark Haas:
Opportunity cost 04-08-2008 3:16 p.m.
Spring Practice is hailed as a period of endless opportunities, and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian emphasized that point in the offense’s meeting this afternoon.
“The theme of this spring is opportunity,” Sarkisian said. “There are a lot of opportunities out there, so we’ve got to find a way to take advantage of them. We’re halfway home, let’s go.”
Moving right along 04-08-2008 3:12 p.m.
During the recently completed team meeting, the Trojans watched highlights from Sunday’s scrimmage, including several big special teams plays from walk-on cornerback Omari Crittenden, who got a hearty shout-out from Coach Carroll.
“Gosh, we’ve got so many highlights here,” a jubilant Carroll said while going through the film from the scrimmage.
The coaches are also using today as “Tell the Truth” day, and the main positives from Sunday’s scrimmage are the physical nature of the players and the team’s effort. Some areas for improvement are ball security and awareness in special situations.
The players are currently in position group meetings and practice begins at 4 p.m.
Getting prepped 04-08-2008 1:54 p.m.
Assistant athletic trainer Paul Diaz tapes the ankles of defensive end Kyle Moore in the training room of Heritage Hall this afternoon as the Trojans get ready for today’s Competition Tuesday practice. Meetings get started at 2:15.
Putting in extra work 04-08-2008 1:27 p.m.
To cap off today’s half-pads practice, the Trojans are scheduled to have an “overtime” session, giving them work in do-or-die situations and setting up an exciting finish to the day.
Ready for battle 04-08-2008 11:55 a.m.
The jerseys of several Trojans have been fitted onto their pads and lie waiting in the equipment room in preparation for today’s practice. It’s a service the tireless equipment staff does for the players before every practice to help expedite the players’ dressing out process.
Alumni news 04-08-2008 11:47 a.m.
Talk about a 180-degree turnaround.
Jody Adewale has gone from a player getting tutored to a tutor helping the players.
While progressing toward his master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, Adewale, a fan favorite fullback from 2004-06, now works in the Student-Athlete Academic Services department. His duties include tutoring student-athletes up to 20 hours a week, a benefit he once received when he was a student-athlete.
“It’s cool,” said Adewale, who has another year left on his master’s before he plans to go after a doctorate degree. “It’s really neat to be able to help the athletes.”
Mic’d up at walk-on tryouts 04-08-2008 11:01 a.m.
Tight ends coach Brennan Carroll got his start as a walk-on tight end at Pittsburgh in 1999, so it makes sense his current job includes being commissioner of USC’s annual walk-on tryouts.
We mic’d Carroll up for this year’s walk-on tryouts, so check out this silly look at his duties as commissioner in a lighthearted video from USCRipsIt, produced by Rich Rodriguez:
Stop and shop 04-08-2008 9:54 a.m.
Get a Win Forever hoodie, a RipsIt shirt and other cool Pete Carroll gear in the Shop at PeteCarroll.com! And not only are you getting some sweet new clothes, but you're supporting A Better LA, as proceeds from the shop go directly to the organization.
Let’s go 04-08-2008 9:01 a.m.
The ninth day of Spring Practice 2008 has gotten started, as the coaches just gathered for a staff meeting in the War Room. The Trojans have hit the second half of spring ball, so the clock’s ticking for the coaching staff.
Down the middle 04-07-2008 3:41 p.m.
The NCAA men’s national championship tips off tonight, and a straw poll of USC coaches has allegiances split between Memphis and Kansas. It’s a 50-50 divide among the coaches for who they think will win the crown. Here are a couple of coaches’ thoughts on tonight’s winner:
- Defensive line coach Dave Watson: “I like the athletes on Memphis but I’m rooting for Kansas because [freshman center] Cole Aldrich went to the same high school [Jefferson High in Bloomington, Minn.] as I did.” - Coach Carroll: “Memphis, because speed will get you.”
The week ahead 04-07-2008 2:40 p.m.
Here’s a look at this week’s practice schedule for the Trojans (subject to change):
Now that the Trojan Huddle has been set for 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, the Spring Practice schedule has solidified. All the remaining practices are open to the public, and you can get the full schedule here.
Professional thinking 04-07-2008 11:50 a.m.
The Trojans have gone pro with their workout philosophy this morning.
Head strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle has adopted a professional approach to the team’s 40-minute lift sessions on USC’s off day from spring practice this morning, employing several exercises that will encourage blood circulation and healing after the Trojans played a game-like scrimmage on Sunday. It’s the same philosophy NFL teams use on the day after games, Carlisle said.
“We want our players to take care of their bodies like professional athletes,” Carlisle said. “We’re trying to teach these guys that you’ve got to become professional in your attitude and the way you treat your body.”
Wideout Vidal Hazelton does a clean pull during this morning’s weight lifting session.
He’ll take some double-A batteries 04-07-2008 11:06 a.m.
The newest off-the-wall Nike commercial is out, and it has Coach Carroll even more perplexed than the way he acts in his latest cameo.
In this new 30-second spot, Carroll asks, “Hey, anybody got any batteries?” and now he’s both amused and bewildered at the appearance.
“What does that have to do with anything?” said a smiling Carroll, who taped roughly 30 arbitrary lines in early February that Nike might use for various commercials. A previous commercial already has Carroll saying, “French toast?”
“They were just telling me to do random one-liners,” Carroll said of the taping. “I didn’t think anything of it.”
See the latest ad, with Carroll’s appearance about 20 seconds in:
For a good read… 04-07-2008 10:15 a.m.
Swim With Mike, the annual fundraiser to support scholarships for disabled athletes, will be this Saturday at USC’s McDonald’s Swim Stadium.
To get you in the mood for this special event, read this fantastic L.A. Times story about the event’s organizer, Ron Orr, and the fundraiser’s namesake, Mike Nyeholt.
Celebrity Jeopardy 04-07-2008 10:08 a.m.
Competition rules at USC — even during an NCAA rules review game.
The recently completed mandatory rules review session, hosted by the USC compliance office, went over eligibility, recruiting, amateurism and other NCAA regulations related to the football team in a fun Jeopardy-like game for the coaching staff.
And the competitive juices were flowing in the offensive-staff-versus-defensive-staff battle, as coaches fiercely contended for every question. And in the end, the offense’s coaches mutilated their counterparts, 8,600 to -1,000 with the help of a 4,300-point Daily Double.
The fun and games are over now, as the coaches have returned to their meeting rooms to break down film from Sunday’s scrimmage.
Coach Carroll watches on during the Jeopardy game used to review NCAA rules for the coaches this morning.
Follow the rules 04-07-2008 8:59 a.m.
The coaches have gathered for a quick staff meeting before the NCAA compliance rules review session at 9, a mandatory annual conference for the football coaches hosted by USC’s compliance office.
A look at the highlight players from the stats from Sunday’s scrimmage:
- Allen Bradford (four carries for 84 yards and two touchdowns) - C.J. Gable (three carries for 52 yards) - Mitch Mustain (7-for-9, 137 yards) - Mark Sanchez (9-for-15, 106 yards) - Ronald Johnson (three catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns) - David Ausberry (three catches for 42 yards) - Clay Matthews Jr., Daniel Harper, Jordan Campbell and Christian Tupou (leading tacklers with four tackles) - Clay Matthews Jr. (three sacks for a loss of 24 yards) - Eight total sacks by the defense - Joe McKnight (one kickoff return for 94 yards and a touchdown) - David Buehler (1-for-1 on field goals, 32 yards) - Greg Woidneck (39.4-yard average on five punts) - 78 plays
Quarterback breakdown 04-06-2008 1:58 p.m.
Here’s a breakdown of all of the three quarterback’s drives during Sunday’s two-hour scrimmage.
Mark Sanchez 1. Ended in a short touchdown run by fullback Stanley Havili and included a long dash by C.J. Gable 2. Stalled, three-and-out 3. Ended in a David Buehler field goal after starting in opposing territory 4. Ended in a sack on the opponent’s 40 during a two-minute drill before halftime 5. Ended in a short touchdown by Allen Bradford 6. Started and ended on a pitch to Allen Bradford that went for a 72-yard touchdown
Mitch Mustain 1. Started and ended with 70-yard bomb to receiver Ronald Johnson on the first play of the drive 2. Stalled at midfield 3. Ended in a short touchdown pass to fullback Adam Goodman and included a long, shifty run by tailback Marc Tyler 4. Stalled 5. Ended in a 30-yard touchdown to Ronald Johnson in the back of the end zone 6. Stalled 7. Stalled after going for it on fourth down in opponent’s territory
Aaron Corp 1. Stalled after one first down after starting backed up at the 2-yardline 2. Stalled 3. Ended with an interception by cornerback Justin Hart on the first play of the drive 4. Ended on a fumble caused by linebacker Jordan Campbell after a completion over the middle to wideout Brandon Carswell 5. Ended on a fumble caused by safety Kevin Ellison after a completion to Ronald Johnson 6. Stalled, three-and-out
Spotlight 04-06-2008 1:55 p.m.
Several individuals recorded outstanding performances during Sunday’s scrimmage:
- Tailbacks Marc Tyler, C.J. Gable, Broderick Green and Allen Bradford all reeled off long runs. - Cornerback Justin Hart had a leaping interception. - Tight end Anthony McCoy posted a long catch over the middle, even after getting pounded by two defensive backs. - Linebacker Jordan Campbell and safety Kevin Ellison both forced a fumble. - Cornerback Omari Crittenden had a blocked punt against the second-unit punt team Sunday, and it led to a scoop-and-score by safety Rob Erickson.
Dispatch from Howard Jones 04-06-2008 1:54 p.m.
Thoughts from Sunday’s scrimmage, through the eyes of USCRipsIt…
- Receiver Ronald Johnson and tailback Allen Bradford both scored two touchdowns, but the sack-happy defense dominated the scrimmage, holding the offense scoreless on 12 of the 19 drives. - Fullbacks Stanley Havili and Adam Goodman scored short touchdowns and kicker David Buehler nailed a short field goal for the offense’s other scores Sunday. - Artificial crowd noise played during most of the scrimmage, and music blasted over the speakers during breaks in action, causing several players to dance on the sideline or during drills. - More than 500 spectators crammed around Howard Jones field for the scrimmage.
Ball time 04-06-2008 10:51 a.m.
The Trojans are about to take the field for today’s practice, including a roughly 75-play scrimmage.
“Here we go,” Carroll said on his way out of the office and toward the field. “It’s ball time.”
We’ll return in a few hours with a report from the first scrimmage of the spring.
Game day 04-06-2008 10:35 a.m.
The Trojans are treating today every bit like a game day. Here are a few examples:
- Artificial crowd noise will be playing, as the team has hired its usual sound company to pipe in game-like noise throughout practice. - The offense has scripted the first 15 plays of the scrimmage. - The offense and defense will have separate clap sessions (final play review sessions) at 10:45, just before taking the field for the scrimmage. It’s exactly what they do at the team hotel before departing for the stadium on game day.
Pump it up 04-06-2008 10:22 a.m.
All signs point to today being game day for the Trojans.
Never mind that we’re 146 days from an actual game.
The Trojans’ team meeting this morning hummed of a pre-game meeting, complete with a special teams roll call, the reckless pump-up traditions and a “We ready!” chant from the team, as the players and coaches expressed their excitement for today’s scrimmage.
“It’s midterm day, test day, game day, all that stuff,” Coach Carroll said to the team. “We get a chance to perform today.”
It goes without saying, but it’s a pretty special program when the coaches and players can get so hyped up during a 9 a.m. meeting on a Sunday morning about a mid-spring scrimmage.
Time to go — or maybe not 04-06-2008 8:55 a.m.
Coach Carroll was frantic.
“Let’s go, let’s go, we gotta go, coaches!” he exclaimed while running through the football office just minutes ago, trying to round up the coaches for the team meeting he thought had already started.
But when an assistant coach told Carroll they still had about 10 minutes until the meeting, he retreated.
“Oops, my watch is fast, I forgot,” Carroll said with a childish grin.
Black out 04-06-2008 8:51 a.m.
The Trojans took Saturday off, and apparently the power wanted to follow suit.
The electricity temporarily went out early Saturday morning in Heritage Hall, causing a minor challenge for coaches when they arrived at work to watch film this morning.
Thanks to the power outage, the coaches’ computers had been disconnected from the network the team uses to watch film, and because they’re football coaches and not technical whizzes, they were handcuffed. Fortunately, the team’s director of video operations and technical go-to guy Eric Espinoza came to the rescue and the precious network was back up in 15 minutes.
Get it going 04-06-2008 8:23 a.m.
The coaches have just broken from their brief morning staff meeting, as the eighth day of Spring Practice 2008 has gotten started. The team meetings begin at 9 with a special teams film session. Practice — and the first official scrimmage of the spring — is at 11 a.m.
A look ahead 04-04-2008 6:57 p.m.
The Trojans have Saturday off and will come back Sunday with meetings at 9 a.m. and a scrimmage at 11 a.m. on Howard Jones field.
To cap off Friday’s practice, each quarterback had one opportunity to run the two-minute offense, with varying results:
- Safety Marshall Jones intercepted a Mitch Mustain pass several plays into the opening drive. - Safety Taylor Mays ended Mark Sanchez’s drive quickly by picking off a tipped pass. - Aaron Corp showed off his mobility to push the offense into field goal position, and a defensive offsides penalty on a missed kick gave the offense an extra life. Corp didn’t disappoint, as he connected with wideout Garrett Green two plays later in the back of the end zone for the practice-ending touchdown.
Dispatch from Howard Jones 04-04-2008 6:22 p.m.
Thoughts from Friday’s practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt…
- The Trojans spent significant portions of the 90-minute practice on special teams, breaking up four 10-play, game-like team periods with various special teams situations. - Tailbacks C.J. Gable, Marc Tyler, Broderick Green and Allen Bradford broke notably long runs during team period, but because the Trojans didn’t practice in pads, it was difficult to tell exactly how big the gains were since the defense had to lay off of several potential hits. - On one spectacular play in team period, Mark Sanchez niftily dodged a charging linebacker, stepped up in the pocket and completed downfield to tight end Anthony McCoy, who made a snazzy juke of his own after the catch. - Walk-on cornerback Omari Crittenden posted back-to-back blocked punts during live action for the second-team punt unit. - The practice started under sunny skies and warm weather, but gray clouds came near the end of the day, with chilly winds sweeping in and sprinkles falling from the sky.
Ready for football 04-04-2008 4:02 p.m.
The Trojans have hit the field for Friday’s practice, so we’ll return in a few hours with a report from Howard Jones.
Offering hope 04-04-2008 3:59 p.m.
Director of player personnel Jared Blank hosted 21 students from Lincoln Middle School in Santa Monica for a motivational discussion and a day with the Trojans on Friday, all through a newly founded organization called “Find A Way” that helps kids with learning disabilities.
Blank, who overcame the detriments of severe dyslexia to graduate college and obtain a master’s degree, spoke to the students about his own experiences in school, conducted a Q&A session with the middle schoolers and ultimately offered them encouragement to persevere in the classroom.
“This is just great for these kids,” said Joan Kahaleuahi, an assistant special education teacher at Lincoln and a USC graduate. “They grow up only seeing the issues in front of them, and here’s Jared, a guy who’s gone through high school, college and now has a great job. It’s just really special for our kids.”
The students, part of teacher Amanda Levy’s special education class at Lincoln Middle School, also toured the USC campus and attended Friday’s practice on Howard Jones field.
Director of player personnel Jared Blank speaks to Lincoln Middle School students about overcoming a learning disability.
Moving right along 04-04-2008 3:23 p.m.
The Trojans are treating today like an in-season, pre-game Friday. The recently completed team meeting began with a special teams review, which is part pump-up session and part film study. The players and coaches filled the auditorium with rambunctious energy, much like they do in the Friday meetings prior to game days in the fall.
Then, following the special teams segment, the Trojans watched highlights from Thursday’s practice before turning their attention to today’s special teams review practice.
“This is a really important day for us,” Coach Carroll said.
Every play is scripted throughout the 90-minute practice, and speed and tempo are of ultimate importance since the team will not be in pads. To end practice, the Trojans will work extensively on their two-minute drill.
Fighting on 04-04-2008 1:45 p.m.
A reader wrote in asking about the future of tailback Hershel Dennis, especially after a respectable performance at Pro Day, including a 4.64 40-yard dash, a 9’10” standing long jump and 22 reps on the 225-pound bench press.
Coach Carroll believes Dennis, the only player in college football history to have won six conference championships, has a legitimate chance in the NFL.
“There are some teams who have expressed serious interest in giving him a chance as a free agent,” Carroll said of Dennis, who has undergone two major knee surgeries in the last three years. “With his character and drive, he has a real shot to make an NFL team this summer.”
Stars in stripes 04-04-2008 1:19 p.m.
USC’s practices are known for their game-like competition each and every day.
It’s no wonder, then, that uniformed referees are on Howard Jones field officiating during every play, ensuring the Trojans are staying onsides, not committing pass interference and avoiding any personal foul penalties.
“We want to create a game-like atmosphere on the practice field, and the referees help keep us in touch with the rules,” said Carroll, who has used the tactic ever since he was an NFL head coach in the ’90s. “They keep our players accountable to the rules that can have a big impact on game days.”
Director of football operations Dennis Slutak works with a referee coordinator to hire Pac-10, junior college and high school officials for almost every Trojan practice. Anywhere from five to seven referees work each practice, and will call every type of penalty to get the players accustomed to what they’ll experience in games.
“They truly make a difference for our players and improve how we play on Saturdays,” Carroll said.
Referees walk out to Howard Jones before Thursday’s practice. The football team employs referees for every practice because Coach Carroll appreciates how they give the practice a game-like feel.
Lighten up 04-04-2008 11:25 a.m.
Today’s practice will be one of the lightest of the spring, giving players a day out of the pads before Sunday’s scrimmage. The Trojans will be in just helmets and shorts, which should minimize the contact and refresh the players’ legs.
The practice will also be a special teams review, so all facets of special teams will get the spotlight today.
Trojan Huddle set for 11 a.m. 04-04-2008 11:09 a.m.
The Trojan Huddle has been set for 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 19 at the Coliseum. The event will include a scrimmage, autograph session and several other fun fan experiences.
Unlike previously mentioned, general admission tickets are $10, and can be purchased at the gate, online (with a $1.50 service charge) or by calling (213) 740-GOSC. USC students and children 12 and under attend for free.
Preseason honors 04-04-2008 10:44 a.m.
Safety Taylor Mays and linebacker Brian Cushing were named to the 2008 Lott Trophy watch list, joining 40 other of the nation’s top collegiate defensive players.
Working away 04-04-2008 10:04 a.m.
The coaches have been entrenched in their staff meeting for a while now as they prepare for Practice No. 7 of the spring. After today, the Trojans will already be nearly halfway through Spring Practice 2008.
