Tailback C.J. Gable continues to make a statement through his performance on the field this spring.
Thursday provided yet another shining example.
On a sweep to the right in the final team period of the practice, Gable turned the corner, turned on the jets and began flying down the sideline. With a safety as the only player between Gable and the endzone, the sophomore tailback started to flash his jukes before shocking the defender by lowering his head and plowing through him. The safety laid in a heap on the ground as Gable sprinted ahead for the 50-yard score, a shocked Coach Carroll raised his hands to signal the touchdown, and his offensive teammates jubilantly ran down the field after him.
Spotlight 04-17-2008 6:28 p.m.
Check out the individuals who made shimmering plays Thursday:
- During the practice-ending team period, nose guard Christian Tupou had a tackle-for-loss on three consecutive plays, including two sacks that left the quarterback in amazement and frustration. - Receiver Patrick Turner had a standout day. On one play, he caught a pass in the right flat before lowering his shoulder into the cornerback to pick up extra yards. Then, later on, he had a sweet cut-back move after the catch that left the defender in his wake and propelled him to about 10 more yards. - Tight end Anthony McCoy had a diving catch over the middle while being mugged by the defender during team period before snagging a short touchdown a few plays later.
Dispatch from Howard Jones
04-17-2008 6:27 p.m.
Thoughts from Thursday’s practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt…
- The intensity of Tuesday’s practice carried over to this afternoon’s session as the Trojans continued to ride a wave of high, midseason-type energy, producing one spectacular practice after another. Thursday’s edition saw the offense retain the “No Turnover Thursday” title, though the defense turned in several highlight-reel plays. - The Trojans finished practice with an overtime, pitting the first teams against each other and the second teams against each other. The second-team defense blocked a field goal attempt before the Mark Sanchez-led first-unit offense drove down to inside the 10, setting up a chip-shot field goal by Jordan Congdon to cap off the day. - Sanchez looked crisp in various situations all day. The junior quarterback showed off his versatility by first connecting with wideout Travon Patterson on a long touchdown throw that went 55 yards in the air and later directing a dink-and-dunk scoring drive near the end of the practice.
Heading out 04-17-2008 4:07 p.m.
The Trojans have taken the field for the last turnover-themed practice of the spring. Because of the offense’s perfect ball security last week, it’s “No Turnover Thursday” until the defense changes things. We’ll return in a few hours with a report from Howard Jones.
Bling bling 04-17-2008 4:06 p.m.
The Trojans have some extra motivation to hustle through today’s practice, as they’ll receive their Rose Bowl and Pac-10 championship rings after this afternoon’s workout.
BREAKING NEWS: Two walk-ons receive scholarships 04-17-2008 3:41 p.m.
Fullback Adam Goodman and long snapper Cooper Stephenson have been given full-rides, Coach Carroll announced during Thursday’s team meeting. Read the complete story.
Holding on 04-17-2008 3:15 p.m.
Like always, the Trojans watched highlights from their last practice during the just-completed team meeting. But this time, because of the high intensity of Tuesday’s workout, the highlights were that much more action-packed and exciting, inciting riotous reactions from the players.
Then Coach Carroll issued a challenge to the team regarding today’s turnover-themed practice.
“I have a question for you: ‘Do you want to be champions?’” Carroll asked, before players answered with a resounding affirmation. “Then we’ve got to be the best in football at holding onto the ball.”
Let’s go 04-17-2008 2:19 p.m.
The afternoon’s football meetings have just gotten started with a kickoff return film session in Heritage Auditorium. The team meeting follows and the players are on the field at 4 p.m. for the final turnover-themed practice of the spring.
Udeze getting better 04-17-2008 1:43 p.m.
Kenechi Udeze has some great news in his fight against leukemia.
The former USC defensive end’s health is showing progress, according to head strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle, who has remained close to Udeze since he went to the Minnesota Vikings in 2004. Here’s an e-mail from Carlisle sharing the good news:
“Kenechi called me yesterday to let me know that his blood and bone marrow are in remission (no cancer cells). He is finishing up the chemo and radiation process and then will have a bone marrow transplant from his brother in May. He wanted to thank everyone for their concern and prayers. It is down to the finish phase of his fight with acute leukemia, and as we all know, no one finishes better then Kenechi.”
On the agenda 04-17-2008 12:22 p.m.
Here’s the schedule for Saturday’s Trojans Huddle at the Coliseum:
9 a.m. • Team meeting at Heritage Hall 10:20 a.m. • Clap session at Heritage Hall 10:30 a.m. • Buses leave USC and head to the Coliseum 10:45 a.m. • Team arrives at the Coliseum and warm-ups start 11:15 a.m. • Scrimmage kicks off 1:30 p.m. • Autograph session begins
Preseason All-Americans 04-17-2008 11:31 a.m.
The preseason honors keep on coming.
Linebacker Rey Maualuga was named to the first-team and safety Kevin Ellison was tapped as a third-team honoree for NationalChamps.net’s Preseason All-American squad.
Fashion sense 04-17-2008 11:04 a.m.
Coach Carroll will model the 2008 coaches’ gameday shirt during Saturday’s Trojan Huddle, but other than that, USC’s gear won’t be much different than a typical practice during the spring. The players will be in their usual practice jerseys, and helmets will be missing the gold Trojan decal.
“It’s just a normal Trojan Huddle,” director of equipment operations David Scott said.
Here’s the Nike shirt Carroll will be wearing Saturday, giving you a glimpse at the sideline style for the 2008 season:
Up and up 04-17-2007 10:12 a.m.
Coaches are walking around the office raucously yelping, “We up!”
You know it’s now time for — what else? — the morning staff meeting in the War Room. Only at USC would a business meeting garner so much boisterous excitement.
Todd McNair mic’d up 04-17-2008 9:21 a.m.
He’s the man with the most stockpiled depth chart at USC, yet he doesn’t coach with the burdens or pressure that you think would come with the territory.
Witness for yourself the vivacious Todd McNair, USC’s running backs coach, during a recent practice in the newest mic’d up feature from USCRipsIt:
Taylor Grace Sarkisian, the new daughter of offensive coordinator Steve and his wife Stephanie, was born Wednesday night. Both mother and newborn are doing well.
After taking Wednesday off, Sarkisian is planning to return to work this morning.
Nearing the finish 04-16-2008 2:54 p.m.
The end-of-spring scrimmage is on Saturday at 11 a.m., but there are still two practices before then. Here’s the schedule:
If you can’t make it to Saturday’s Trojan Huddle in person, the next-best option is to watch a live stream of the scrimmage on USCTrojans.com. By subscribing to the All-Access package for $9.95/month, you can view a broadcast of the end-of-spring game, complete with play-by-play announcers and multiple camera angles, live over the internet beginning Saturday at 11 a.m.
A work in progress 04-16-2008 12:58 p.m.
There are 72 hours left before the Trojan Huddle, and the Coliseum turf is still in transition from a baseball diamond to a football field. The goalposts are in, the pitching mound is out and the infield dirt has been removed as workers are preparing to place sod down before Saturday’s Trojan Huddle.
Depicting the tradition 04-16-2008 11:24 a.m.
A vibrant mural honoring the history of USC football will be unveiled before Saturday’s Trojan Huddle in the Coliseum tunnel. The 14’-by-14’ mural, which will be permanently affixed on the wall where the tunnel meets the field, was made by Mike Sullivan, the same artist who produced a beautiful piece honoring Mario Danelo at San Pedro High.
Showcasing Traveler, the mural also portrays the Roman numerals for 1888, the first season of the USC football program. A bed of roses represents the multiple Rose Bowl championships and the Trojan soldier cradles a football while raising a sword, ready for battle.
Here’s a sneak peek at the mural:
Work it out 04-16-2008 10:41 a.m.
Players have been attending short workouts this morning, the last strength and conditioning session of Spring Practice. Starting next week, players will conduct intense training for four days before the end-of-spring combine tests on April 28 and 29.
Congratulations 04-16-2008 9:47 a.m.
We hosted our third and final group of Spring Practice Contest winners during Tuesday’s practice, as Dave and Craig Leisen toured the facilities, attended practices, met Coach Carroll and some players, ate at the Galen Dining Center and visited the football offices as special guests of USCRipsIt/PeteCarroll.com.
The contest is over for the spring, but we’re hoping to bring it back this fall, so stay tuned to USCRipsIt for more exciting opportunities!
Dave Leisen, Craig Leisen and Coach Carroll hang out after practice.
Mark Sanchez poses with Craig Leisen.
Baby time 04-16-2008 9:22 a.m.
The Trojan football family is going through some addition by subtraction today.
Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is out of the office today to attend to his wife Stephanie, who is due to give birth to the couple’s third child some time in the next few hours.
Scouting 04-16-2008 9:04 a.m.
Coaches are gathering now in the War Room for their weekly recruiting meeting, during which they’ll be watching film of 2009 prospects for the next hour or so.
Former USC head coach John Robinson talks with Coach Carroll following Tuesday’s practice. The two coaching greats have a combined 180 wins in 19 seasons at USC.
Compliments 04-15-2008 7:34 p.m.
Craig James, once a star running back alongside Eric Dickerson during SMU’s glory days in the early 1980s, now does on-camera work for ABC’s college football broadcasts. He visits many programs around the country throughout the year, and his praise of USC’s practice on Tuesday was effusive.
“This is the first practice I’ve been to where I don’t want to go in, just because I want to sit and enjoy it,” said James, who wore a smile and laughed most of his time on the field. “This is great. These guys have so much fun out here.”
Star watch 04-15-2008 7:24 p.m.
Several notable personalities attended Tuesday’s practice, including:
- Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti - Baseball agent Scott Boras (who, interestingly enough, was a friend of Coach Carroll’s when both attended University of Pacific) - Former SMU football star and current ABC analyst Craig James - Former USC coach John Robinson - Los Angeles Avengers owner Casey Wasserman - Former Pepperdine interim head coach Eric Bridgeland
Spotlight 04-15-2008 7:23 p.m.
Check out the spectacular individual performances from Tuesday’s practice:
- On a run up the middle, tailback Stafon Johnson magnificently spun to avoid a linebacker, but during his rotation, linebacker Jordan Campbell pummeled Johnson, knocking him quickly to the ground. - Linebacker Rey Maualuga had a thunderous helmet-to-helmet hit on receiver Ronald Johnson, who was reaching for a ball over the middle. Johnson, somehow, popped right back up and jogged back to the huddle. - Cornerback Cary Harris had a fast-reaction interception in 7-on-7 drills, but it was his hard-nosed work in team period that really stood out. Wideout Vidal Hazelton had a great leaping catch that was immediately followed by a monster hit from Harris, igniting both sides into a flurry of hoots and hollers. - Tailback Allen Bradford registered his now-daily long run up the middle.
Dispatch from Howard Jones field 04-15-2008 7:22 p.m.
Thoughts from Tuesday’s practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt…
- The defense took home a narrow victory on the final Competition Tuesday of the spring, winning on the strength of a slew of heavy-hitting plays in the practice-ending 30-play team period. - Players practiced Tuesday with the intensity of a late-season workout as the hits and smack-talk were traded back and forth throughout the day, leading some coaches to call Tuesday’s practice one of the best they’ve ever seen at USC. “This is exactly what we want on Competition Tuesday,” Coach Carroll told the players in the post-practice huddle. - Though the offense didn’t pull out the overall victory Tuesday, it provided several sparkling plays that caught the defense out of position. On one particular play in the team period, Mark Sanchez connected with a wide-open C.J. Gable for a deep completion down the left sideline, causing a grinning Coach Carroll to exclaim, “The offense means business today!”
BREAKING NEWS: The quarterback decision 04-15-2008 4:02 p.m.
The quarterback competition has reached a decision point, with Coach Pete Carroll announcing Tuesday afternoon that junior Mark Sanchez would be the starter if the season began this week.
“If there was a game this Saturday, Mark would be our starter,” Carroll said. “But as always is the case here, the competition is still open.”
Battle away 04-15-2008 4:01 p.m.
The Trojans have taken the field for Competition Tuesday’s practice, the last one until August. One-on-one and offense-vs.-defense battles will be highlighted all throughout the day. We’ll return in a few hours with a report from Howard Jones field.
Finish time 04-15-2008 3:22 p.m.
The final Competition Tuesday of the spring has arrived.
During the recently completed team meeting, Coach Carroll started by introducing two guests of the meeting, former USC coach John Robinson and ABC analyst Craig James. The team then watched highlights from Saturday’s scrimmage, punctuated by several big plays from the wide receivers and running backs.
“Another slant!” wide receivers coach John Morton yelled during the highlights. “You can’t stop the slant!”
“It’s not highlights without the running backs!” running backs coach Todd McNair screamed.
Today’s the last competition-themed practice of the spring, and the defense currently has a 2-1 lead through three practices thus far. So, today’s a chance for the offense to tie it up, or for the defense to clinch the overall Spring Practice victory.
“It’s finish time, it’s finish time,” Coach Carroll excitedly told the team to end the meeting. “Let’s finish right.”
Get going 04-15-2008 2:19 p.m.
Football business is getting started with a punt team meeting now in Heritage Auditorium before the team meeting begins around 2:45 p.m. A half-pads competition-themed practice is set for 4 p.m.
Trojan legend 04-15-2008 1:52 p.m.
A legend has returned to the USC football office today.
John Robinson, who coached the Trojans for a total of 12 seasons over two stints, came back to the office he once called his own while leading USC to a 104-35-4 record and four Rose Bowl titles.
Now retired and living in Carlsbad, the 72-year-old Robinson said he’s beyond impressed with Coach Carroll and the current Trojans.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Robinson, who does TV and radio work during the season. “The special thing about it is that the team has so much fun winning. Pete’s perfect for this.”
No kidding 04-15-2008 1:07 p.m.
Besides getting a glimpse at the 2008 Trojans, Saturday’s Trojan Huddle will also mark the birth of a new initiative from the USC athletic department.
The Kids Club, for children 12 and under, will officially kick off Saturday at the Trojans’ end-of-spring scrimmage. For $20, kids can join this group and receive a USC t-shirt, ruler, binder and monthly newsletter. Also, joining the Kids Club gives free entrance to several Trojan sporting events, with kids receiving points for every game they attend and prizes being awarded for the most involvement.
“It’s about promoting athletics and education,” assistant athletic director Craig Kelley said, “all while keeping people involved in Trojan athletics.”
Much to do 04-15-2008 11:59 a.m.
There won’t be 92,000 fans at Saturday’s Trojan Huddle, but the work has still piled up for Craig Kelley.
“It’s a mini football game,” said Kelley, assistant athletic director for marketing and in charge of the gameday activities, including a post-scrimmage autograph session and fan fest. “There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work.”
Kelley, who has a team of 25 student interns and two other full-time staffers, said he’s expecting 25,000-30,000 fans for the 11 a.m. scrimmage at the Coliseum, which means security, concessions and the overall fan experience must be in tip-top shape come Saturday.
“It’s something that takes a lot of time and coordination to do,” Kelley said. “It’s a long day but we’re committed to making our fans happy.”
Food for thought 04-15-2008 11:28 a.m.
Coliseum concession stands will be open and tailgating will be allowed in parking lots before and after Saturday’s Trojan Huddle, which begins at 11 a.m.
Clearing things up 04-15-2008 11:09 a.m.
As previously reported, tailback Joe McKnight is out for the remainder of Spring Practice to focus on academics, meaning he will have missed six workouts. This turn of events will not affect his eligibility for the fall, Coach Carroll said.
“He’s sitting out the rest of spring to focus on his academics,” said Magdi El Shahawy, director of Student-Athlete Academic Services. “This decision is his best chance to improve his academic standing.”
Student-athletes must maintain a 1.8 grade point average after their freshman year to be eligible for team activities the following season, so McKnight decided to drop a class last week and focus on his schoolwork during the rest of spring. The dropped class placed him below the NCAA-required 12 units and consequently made him ineligible to participate in USC’s practices this spring.
Back at it 04-15-2008 9:18 a.m.
The coaches took Monday off for the golf tournament, leaving them just this morning to prepare for practice this afternoon. The offensive and defensive staffs have been planted in front of film for much of the last hour as they review Saturday’s scrimmage and continue to make decisions for the 2008 season.
Sharpshooter 04-15-2008 8:37 a.m.
The Pete Carroll Heritage Golf Tournament wrapped up last night, and the shot of the day — fittingly — went to the event’s namesake.
Coach Carroll won the closest-to-the-pin award, knocking a ball three feet from the hole on a par 3 at Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club.
“Lucky shot,” he quipped.
Reminder 04-14-2008 1:45 p.m.
The remaining four practices are open to the public, with Tuesday’s, Thursday’s and Friday’s sessions starting at 4 p.m. at Howard Jones field.
Saturday’s end-of-spring scrimmage at the Coliseum kicks off at 11 a.m. and general admission tickets cost $10. USC students and children 12 and under get in for free. You can purchase your tickets at the Coliseum (gates open at 10 a.m.), online (with a $1.50 service charge) or by calling (213) 740-GOSC.
Last year, about 15,000 attended the Trojan Huddle, and the team is hoping for a larger turnout at this spring’s festive game, complete with the Trojan Marching Band and autograph signing afterward.
Mitch Mustain wired for sound 04-14-2008 1:32 p.m.
It might have gotten lost in the shuffle of Saturday’s scrimmage, so make sure you see the newest video from USCRipsIt, Mitch Mustain mic’d up at a recent practice:
Questions and answers 04-14-2008 11:49 a.m.
Have a question about the Trojans? Want a coach to answer something for you? Send in your questions to Ben@PeteCarroll.com and we’ll answer them on the blog. Unfortunately, per NCAA rules, we cannot address recruiting matters.
Worth the weight 04-14-2008 10:25 a.m.
While the coaches are playing golf today, the players are working away in the weight room. The Trojans are attending snappy 40-minute workouts this morning to maintain strength levels during the demanding Spring Practice schedule.
One week 04-14-2008 9:39 a.m.
The Trojans have now entered the final week of Spring Practice and have only four practices left before Fall Camp begins in August. Here’s a look at the remaining week of spring ball (dress is subject to change):
The USC coaching staff is taking a day away from the office today and playing in the Pete Carroll Heritage Golf Tournament, an annual fundraiser for the athletic department held in Orange County all day.
The coaches, many of whom admittedly aren’t the best on the links, will tee off along with dozens of athletic department supporters at Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club at 10 a.m. before attending a dinner and live auction event tonight at the club.
