Good news, bad news and big news on a light practice day...
- Lane Kiffin has not announced a starter at middle linebacker or running back. However, he has "shifted around some reps," which indicates that LB Devon Kennard and RB Marc Tyler are preparing to be the first team players at their respective positions.
- "It's a great opportunity just to be in there," Tyler said after practice. "If I am named the starter, that would be great, but I've got to keep working hard." He credits Kennedy Pola for "by far" the best camp in his USC career.
- On the other side, "Whoever is the number one tailback than that's who it is," said Allen Bradford, who returned to practice feeling much better about his left knee. "I'm just going to do what I always do, which is be me."
- While it will make for good headlines this week, the running backs are almost impossible to judge without tackling. They make their name off of breaking tackles, so the Hawaii game will be much more telling than a camp scrimmage.
- While all signs point to Kennard as the starting middle backer, Chris Galippo's versatility will provide ample opportunity for playing time at all three positions.
- As I've mentioned for a week now, Robert Woods has pulled ahead in the #2 receiver race. The real battle is for #3 between Kyle Prater, Markeith Ambles and Brice Butler. David Ausberry returned to practice today with a sleeve on his fibula. He will be used as a red zone specialist at the very least. Brandon Carswell also practiced today.
- The offensive guard position is in complete flux. Butch Lewis returned today to individual drills and expects to be ready for the opener. He does not feel pain in his hip/groin area, but he feels rust from sitting on the sidelines for most of camp.
- Khaled Holmes could potentially have a serious neck injury, according to Kiffin. He had an MRI after a series of stingers forced him out of practice.
- UPDATE: Holmes did tell the media after practice that the injury is not as bad as Kiffin feared before hearing the MRI results. He called it "a pinched nerve" and he expects to be ready for Hawaii.
- Kiffin said that they have no clear plan at guard right now with Lewis and Holmes on the sidelines. Michael Reardon, Zack Heberer, Abe Markowitz, Kevin Graf and others will get reps.
- New transfer Thearon Collier participated in practice today. He wore #81 and displayed blazing speed running under a deep ball.
- With classes starting today, Matt Barkley and others had to leave early or miss a portion of practice. Kiffin referred to today as their "Tuesday Hawaii game week" practice. During the season, they will practice on Sundays and have Mondays off.
- Dillon Baxter worked as a service team player because he is suspended for the Hawaii game.
- Here are the pictures from this evening's practice by Farren Benjamin.
- Here it from Lane Kiffin's mouth...
Still missing Po's photos. 10 doesn't even begin to cover it. Hope game coverage is more comprehensive and focuses on action,,,,not just close ups of facemasks and partial numbers on jerseys. Really, really miss Ben M. too. (not to mention Jared Blank, the best player personnel - footbal operations guy EVER!) Okay and Pete too, just not the same and so far not even close to better.