The energy and intensity was ratcheted up at Howard Jones Field tonight as the Trojans completed their first practice under the lights.
- Coach O was in midseason form tonight. As the hitting started to increase, Orgeron was barking and howling at his defensive line to dominate the line of scrimmage and the unit responded.
- In particular, DT DaJohn Harris, who Coach O calls "Juicy," was a disruptive force in the backfield.
- Lane Kiffin enjoys playing the comparison game (which writers love). Tonight, he compared Armond Armstead to Michael Strahan in terms of playing defensive end at that size. And, he noted similarities between Robert Woods and current receivers assistant coach Keary Colbert based on all the playbook studying and work ethic the freshman has displayed early in his career.
- However, Kiffin cited a "rookie mistake" by Woods for Matt Barkley's first camp interception. Woods slowed up on a deep ball, which enabled Torin Harris to run under it and get the unabated pick.
- While all the talk has been about the freshmen receivers (guilty as charged), Brice Butler made a pair of tough catches tonight. He is set to be the number two receiver opposite Ronald Johnson, but Coach Kiffin wants to see more. "Brice has made a number of plays, but he has not made the really tough play for us. He made one today, which was nice to see. He's going to have to go take it away like the big body guys we had before did."
- Staying under the radar, C.J. Gable broke off a long run during the scrimmage portion of practice. The fifth year senior is somewhere in the middle of the running back pecking order. He'll likely battle Marc Tyler for carries as the season goes on behind Allen Bradford.
- Stanley Havili might be the most irreplaceable offensive player. The Trojans don't have a natural back-up at fullback and they certainly don't have one who is as versatile and dangerous as Havili. He'll be used frequently in the running and passing game this season.
- Coach Kiffin bemoaned the lack of depth on the offensive line and noted that they've only brought in one lineman each of the last two years. However, he's loaded at the skill positions. "Do you think they'd let us play 7-on-7? We'll challenge anybody."
- True freshman DT George Uko is starting to move up the depth chart. While he's still behind starters Jurrell Casey and DaJohn Harris plus primary reserve Hebron Fangupo, Uko could work himself into the rotation. He has a large explosive body, which stood out among his peers in individual drills tonight. He could be the next great Trojan defensive tackle from Chino following in the footsteps of Sedrick Ellis.
- Markeith Ambles returned to practice, but Dillon Baxter spent another session rolling in the grass. The freshman did nothing but conditioning drills for over four hours today, so Kiffin hopes his message was received.
- Injury report: Butch Lewis was sent for an MRI on his hip. Drew McAllister sat out with soreness in his hip, but it's the opposite hip that caused him problems last year. Brian Baucham was limited in practice. Freshman DB Dion Bailey was out with a concussion.
- REMINDER: We are going LIVE from practice Wednesday just after 4 p.m. pacific time to bring you individual drills, so you can see these kids for yourself.
- Here's Coach Kiffin's media session, he gave us some good stuff tonight.
Any more info on Baucham, Jordan? We really need Brian this season, and he has huge upside. If he could just stay healthy.
The audio still needs a lot of work. Get your mic in Kiff's face... or consider adding subtitles.