March 2011 Archives

• The LA Times takes a look at the Trojans' NFL prospects.
• OT Tyron Smith is USC's best draft prospect.  He's moved up in Mel Kiper's latest mock draft (Insider content).
  
• Michael Lev focuses on the players still on campus like Jawanza Starling.
• Scott Wolf checks in with WR Markeith Ambles.
• Lane Kiffin said T.J. McDonald has "taken his game to the next level." 
  
• The USC Office of Religious Life is putting on a "Spirituality & Sports" night featuring Clippers' announcer Mike Smith.
• We mentioned this last week, but here is the full story on the great Mickey Mantle homerun at Bovard Field from Baxter Holmes.
• Former USC All-American Belen Mozo is living life on the LPGA Tour.
• Finally, sad news to report as the Trojan Family loses 1977 men's volleyball champion Don Killian to cancer. 
  
  
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• LB Dion Bailey came out to practice with his arm in a sling after injuring his forearm last Saturday, according to head coach Lane Kiffin.  WR Robert Woods also missed practice to go along with the usual suspects that have been sidelined this spring.
• RB D.J. Morgan returned to action and continued to spark the offense, while Curtis "Moody" McNeal drew praise from Kiffin.  Along with Dillon Baxter, they are the only three healthy scholarship running backs.
• The depth at receiver is even worse.  With Woods down, Brandon Carswell ("the dark horse" of camp said Kiffin), Markeith Ambles and De'Von Flournoy (got banged up today as well) are the only scholarship players.  On the positive side, new receivers coach Rod Gilmore should make them better.  He did a great job drilling in the fundamentals during blocking drills today.
• Walk-on Cody Gifford is built like an athlete at 6'4", 205 pounds.  I do not know how much game he has, but he definitely looks the part.
• The linebackers have been collecting interceptions in numbers this spring.  Will Andrew has at least one pick in every practice, while Dallas Kelley made the play of the day scooping a deflected Matt Barkley pass with one-hand before it hit the turf.  Hayes Pullard also took one the other way.
• During the team portion, Lane Kiffin screamed, "Practice is live!"  The insertion of tackling always raises the energy level and intensity.  The defensive sideline exploded when Tony "Red Dread" Burnett made a sure open-field tackle on Morgan. 
  
• Again, the defensive line disrupted most of the scrimmage session by penetrating through the "A gap."  Redshirt freshman DT George Uko is trying to make an impression now that Jurrell Casey has moved to the NFL.  "I was the person playing behind him, so I know it's my time to step up and contribute on this team," Uko said.
• Of course, when he makes a mistake playing for Ed Orgeron, the entire practice field (and sometimes campus) can hear Coach O taking him to task.  Uko knows he needs to have a thick skin.  "He'll try to get to you," the 300-pounder said.  "He's just trying to make me better.  His job is to get the best out of everyone." 
  
• The most bizarre moment of practice came early when stray pitbulls found their way onto the practice field during defensive line drills.  I'm sure Coach O wants his guys to play with a pitbull mentality, but the intrusion was not planned.
• Here is Lane Kiffin on the day's practice...

• WR Robert Woods was added to the limited list today with a tight hamstring.
• RB D.J. Morgan looked like the most dangerous weapon on the field before tweaking his surgically repaired knee.  "His knee started bothering him a little bit," said Lane Kiffin, who attributed the problem to the wet grass.  "Nothing major."
• The sidelines were packed today with media, family and future Trojans.  The spectators were delighted by the first round of live tackling during the spring sessions.  In the group closest to me, Tony Burnett and Nickell Robey were the surest tacklers.
• The scariest moment came when WR Markeith Ambles ran over DB Allen Noble, who needed a few moments to gather his senses.  Ambles is really starting to fill out his 6'2" frame.  "I have just been working out and going through the program," the receiver said. 
  
• Ambles has flown under the radar since rejoining the team, but he still flashes that five-star talent.  "I learned that you have to come in and work hard every day," he said about his tumultuous freshman campaign.  "I'm just trying to get better every day, so by the time we get to fall, I'll be ready to go."
• The Georgia native is now fully committed to being a Trojan.  "I don't want to go anywhere but here.  It's the best place ever!"
• On the other side of the ball, redshirt freshman corner Anthony Brown stood out during coverage drills and picked off Jesse Scroggins.  "He's really worked extremely hard since the day he got here," Kiffin said.  "He's not a great paper guy (size and speed), but he made a bunch of plays in high school."
• The 11-on-11 battles were controlled by the defensive front four.  It's hard for the skill guys to stand out when the quarterbacks are running for their lives.  With 20 injured players and 25 recruits arriving in the fall, the Trojans are literally playing without half their team.  "We have so many holes to work on," a frustrated Kiffin said.  "We're kind of spinning our wheels."
• However, RB Curtis McNeal and WR De'Von Flournoy made some plays when they were given opportunities.
• Practice concluded on a James Harbin interception.  The senior walk-on worked a graveyard shift at a warehouse last night to make time for spring practice, so it was pretty cool to have his pick ring in the three horns (signals the end of practice).
• Click here to watch Lane Kiffin's post-practice media scrum.
  
• Here's your chance to meet true freshman QB Max Wittek (as I did), who is just trying to get his feet under him as he transitions from Mater Dei to USC.

• No new injuries to report other than Marc Tyler is out indefinitely with a hamstring problem.  He said that he has never had a similar injury, so it is tough for him to gauge how long it will take to heal.
• Practice sighting: Former Trojan great and Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio was stalking the sidelines.  He embraced Monte Kiffin and longtime assistant Kennedy Pola after practice.
• Today's session was defense dominated.  They are "extremely focused" on eliminating big plays, which was a real weakness last year, according to Lane Kiffin.
• The secondary looks like the most improved unit led by CB Nickell Robey and S T.J. McDonald.  They have made life difficult on the young quarterbacks so far by jumping in front of passes. 
  
• Robey and Robert Woods are the all-star match-up to watch during individual drills.  "It's good work," Woods described the battle.  "Nickell is one of the best cornerbacks we have out here.  It's great competition.  He got me out here today."
  
• Some of the defensive backs' success can be attributed to the inexperience at the QB position save for Matt Barkley.  "We've got a lot of work to do with these three freshmen quarterbacks," Kiffin said.  From an amateur scout's eye, Max Wittek appears to spin the ball the best out of his hand.
  
• While the young talents need molding at every position, there is no shortage of athleticism.  "It's an exciting freshmen group," said the head coach.  "When we go to our testing, skill stuff and speed work...the top four guys were all freshmen."
• More athletes are on the way, especially at the receiver position with Serra stars George Farmer and Marqise Lee set to flank high school teammate Robert Woods at USC.  "They both ask me questions about the playbook every time, so that's good," said Woods, who speaks with both frequently.
  
• Kiffin was asked at the end of the post-practice media scrum if he's anxious to hear the verdict on the NCAA appeal.  "If we're winning, yeah I'd like it to be over!" he joked.  "The bowl game, possibly games, it's extremely unfortunate for these guys who weren't even here and had nothing to do with it."

• Gary Klein looks at the key questions facing USC football this spring.
• Scott Wolf notes subtle defensive changes that the coaching staff is toying with.
• Michael Lev breaks down how Matt Barkley can go from good to great.
• ESPN writer KC Joyner (need Insider account) thinks Barkley could surpass Andrew Luck.
  
• Pedro Moura sized up the linebacker positions.
• Former Trojan Mark McGwire is enjoying life as the St. Louis Cardinals hitting instructor.
• After her incredible performance at NCAAs last week, USC swimmer Katinka Hosszu was nominated for the prestigious Honda Award.
• Women's swimming and diving also banked valuable points in the race for the Capital One Cup.  The Women of Troy currently sit 4th in the nation.
• We'll have our own story on USC's male sprinting phenom Vladimir Morozov later today, but the Pac-10 profiled the swimmer as well.
• Hoops coach Kevin O'Neill will join Virginia Tech head man Seth Greenberg on FSN's State Farm Coaches Tournament Show all month long.  Check your local listings!

• The list of injuries is so long (19 no-contact players) that we'll have a dedicated post to health issues alone on the blog.
• The early wake-up call was the first story of the day.  Players hit the training room as early as 5:30 a.m. to get taped and ready.  "It's something that I just wanted to look at for spring that could be a possibility for the fall," head coach Lane Kiffin said.  "It starts their day earlier and gets them going."
• The numbers crunch hit the offensive line particularly hard with only six available players and just one healthy returning starter, LT Matt Kalil.  "Our effort was really there, but there was some confusion with the new guys," Kalil said.  "It's hard to transition from one offense to another, but they'll get it down.  They're hard workers."
• Given the lack of offensive line depth, the team portion of practice is a combination of 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 because there are no back-ups to rotate in.
• Khaled Holmes is not cleared for contact, but he played center during 7-on-7.  In the physical portion, John Martinez and Giovanni Di Poalo took turns on the football.
• The back-up quarterback competition is wide open with freshmen Jesse Scroggins (redshirt), Cody Kessler and Max Wittek.  Every QB threw a pick today save for Wittek, but Kiffin's focus is on the mental side of the game.  "It's going to be mostly about decision-making and managing the offense," the head coach said.
  
• As for the starting quarterback, Kiffin acknowledged that Matt Barkley could be entering his last year at USC.  "He needs to make the next step from being a really good quarterback to a great quarterback," Kiffin said.  "He's competing against the best guys around the country."
• On the other side of the ball, converted LB Dion Bailey stood out in coverage drills.  His ability to turn his hips in space is noticeably better than most of the other backers.
• Former walk-on Tony Burnett looks like the early favorite to start at corner opposite Nickell Robey.  Kiffin described Burnett as "long" and "one of our fastest players."  He intercepted a Barkley pass during 7-on-7.
• Anthony Brown is another player who will get a good look at corner.  Veteran WR Brandon Carswell wrestled away a diving deep ball from the redshirt freshman for one of the best plays of the day.
• Good news on the kicking front!  Freshman Andre Heidari split the uprights on all three live attempts, including a 50-yarder.  He has more than enough leg.
  
• Later today on the blog, we'll take a look at the running back position, which took a blow when presumed starter Marc Tyler pulled up with a hamstring injury late in practice.
• Here is Lane Kiffin on day one...

• Nikola Vucevic's decision to stay or go may control the fate of the 2011-12 Trojans writes Baxter Holmes.
• Michael Lev answers questions about Kevin O'Neill's end of game strategy.
• Pedro Moura revisits the VCU game for ESPNLA.com.
• Scott Wolf looks ahead to USC hoops in year three of the KO era.
• As we switch gears to spring football, Ted Miller discusses two freshmen offensive linemen who could have an instant impact.
• Unfortunately, the Trojans are not particularly healthy heading into spring practice.
  
• If you are looking for a Trojan team with title aspirations, check out men's volleyball, feature by WeAreSC.com.
• Lindsey Munday tossed out the first pitch at Dedeaux Field the other day using a lacrosse stick (maybe sparking their recent three-game winning streak).  Check out this recent interview she did.
• While it is not sports related, USC received the largest donation in school history last week.  Dana and David Dornsife contributed $200 million to the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.

• Stats!  VCU took 21 more shots than USC.  The Rams had 12 more offensive rebounds.  They made eight more threes.  The Trojans had 15 turnovers to just four assists.  "We never turn the ball over," head coach Kevin O'Neill said.  "We had a lot of things that were uncharacteristic of us.  We just didn't have it tonight."  While O'Neill did not question his team's effort, Jio Fontan was a bit more harsh.  "They performed like they wanted it more," he said.  "I don't have a good taste in my mouth about this performance."

• Nikola Vucevic was supposed to be USC's big advantage in the paint, but the Rams kept him from getting enough inside touches to make a difference in the contest.  "They took me out of the game," Vucevic admitted.  "They didn't let me get in my comfort zone.  You have to give them credit for that."  The big man took just five shots all night long.  Now, the program waits to find out if the All-Pac-10 performer will return for his senior year or declare for the NBA draft.
  

• While Fontan was tough on himself after the game, his leadership and will kept the Trojans' alive tonight as most of his teammates struggled with nerves and big game anxiety.  "They've never been here before," O'Neill said of his team.  "They are virgin NCAA players.  Experience makes us all better at everything."  With Fontan, Maurice Jones and Garrett Jackson definitely returning, O'Neill expects USC to learn lessons from tonight's disappointment.  "We are hoping to make a big jump as a team next year."

• Quote of the night: "I am really proud of my team.  They have played hard and got us into the NCAA tournament under almost impossible circumstances," O'Neill summed up the season and the adversity this group has overcome.

• If the field were not expanded this season, USC would likely be preparing for the NIT right now.  Now that they are in though, they plan to make it count.  "We are not just happy to be here," senior Donte Smith said.  "We feel like we can make some noise in this tournament."  Jio Fontan took it one step further saying.  "We feel that we have a great shot at winning this tournament."

• As for the First Four match-up, VCU wants the game played at a much faster pace than Kevin O'Neill's team.  "We know that we'll have to play our tempo, which isn't crawling," O'Neill compared the Rams to Washington.  "We have a formula for winning.  We have to impose our will on them."  As for the formula, it revolves around defense, rebounding and getting the ball inside offensively.

• O'Neill began the press conference apologizing again to the Trojan Family for the incident that led to his suspension from the Pac-10 Tournament loss to Arizona.  While the head coach has shown his true character by taking accountability for his actions, he commends his players for persevering and bonding when faced with adversity.  "You guys are now a team of men," O'Neill relayed what he told the team after last Friday's loss.  "We know we can count on you and you can count on each other."

• The Dayton Arena holds just over 13,000 fans and they are expecting a sell-out.  We'll be sitting on press row Tweeting away.  If you don't follow @USC_Athletics, now is the time!

Pac-10 Commissioner Larry Scott statement:

"It is an unfortunate circumstance, but we are in complete agreement with Athletics Director Pat Haden's decision.

"It's our highest obligation and responsibility to set a good example for our student-athletes as we prepare them for productive lives beyond college athletics. We commend USC for its actions."

• USC's leading scorer Nikola Vucevic managed just seven points on a night when he was saddled with foul trouble from the start.  Several Trojans stepped up to fill the offensive void, while the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year covered up the loss in the interior D.  Marcus Simmons held Cal's bruising power forward Harper Kamp to just six points (averaged 14.6 ppg this season).  "Marcus does a great job defending anyone of any size," said head coach Kevin O'Neill.  "It helped us today for being sized down."  O'Neill joked that he actually thanked the refs for putting Vucevic in foul trouble.

• On both ends, Alex Stepheson played his best game of the season.  In 39 minutes, he filled up the stat sheet with 14 points, 16 rebounds and dominant post defense.  "He anchored our whole team tonight," O'Neill declared.  Despite a slow start as a team (three points in the first 8:46), Stepheson was a calming presence.  "We've been there before.  We're a veteran team," the senior captain said.  Before Friday's big game, Big Al said he has a date with the cold tub.

• Since changing the starting lineup, USC has won six out of seven.  Without the physical and mental burden of being the starting point guard, Maurice Jones has unlocked his offensive talents.  Today, he conducted an offensive symphony with darting drives, no-look dishes and the occasional sweet jumper.  "It helped Mo," said O'Neill about the change.  "It made Mo more effective on the second side of the court with his quickness."  The Bears simply had no one who could stay in front of him. 
  

• Are the Trojans now IN the Big Dance?  "I have no idea," said O'Neill, who defers to the selection committee.  One thing is for sure, two more wins and USC is guaranteed a spot in the field of 68.

• The inevitable question was posed to all takers at the post-practice media scrum.  How many wins do the Trojans need to make the Big Dance?  "We're going for the whole thing and trying to win the tournament, but maybe we can get in with two wins," Nikola Vucevic summed it up. 
  

• The combined score between the Trojans and Bears two regular season games was 144-143 in USC's favor.  They both finished with 13 losses overall and 10-8 conference records.  When sizing up the contest, it looks like another one possession game will enliven STAPLES on Thursday afternoon.  "There's no real trends," said head coach Kevin O'Neill.  "There's no real thing that either Cal or us can hang their hats on.  Probably whoever plays well and shoots well will have a chance to win." 
  

• O'Neill championed Marcus Simmons all season long as one of the elite defensive stoppers in the country, so he was naturally pleased that the conference recognized him as the Defensive Player of the Year.  "I think he deserved it," O'Neill said. "Marcus has done an unbelievable job for us defensively."  On Thursday, he will be assigned to either Pac-10 Freshman of the Year Allen Crabbe or Jorge Gutierrez.  "They are both very, very effective, impactful players for their team.  Both of them really make them go."

• Maurice Jones was a maestro in practice today, displaying his uncanny ability to drive and dish.  "He's definitely capable of doing some crazy things," said teammate Jio Fontan.  MoJo is just scratching the surface of his talent. 
  

• Marcus Simmons was named one of the five best defensive players in the nation by FoxSports.com, which also recognized Nikola Vucevic as a 4th team All-American. 
  
• Vucevic's national respect party continued with Yahoo! Sports naming him an honorable mention All-American.
• Baxter Holmes tells the story of Vucevic following in his father's footsteps.
• Jerry Crowe caught up with Harold "Baby Jordan" Miner.
  
• While the Trojans sit squarely on the bubble, four of ESPN.com's 10 experts pick USC to take the conference's automatic bid by winning this week's tournament at STAPLES.
• As for the Women of Troy, here's a great story on Cynthia Cooper having her jersey retired at Galen.
• Speaking of Galen Center, KCAL/KCBS did a story on the Artletics exhibit.
• Michael Lev picks out RB D.J. Morgan as a player to watch this spring.
• Pedro Moura projects the defensive line group with the new freshmen.
• After several knee surgeries, women's basketball guard Jacki Gemelos has fought back this year and is nominated for the V Foundation Comeback Award. 
  2011 V Foundation Comeback Award Finalists Announced.pdf

• Just before tip-off, this year's seniors, Kari LaPlante and Michelle Franco, were honored for Senior Day. The two Trojans and their parents took a stroll on the hardcourt where they received plaques of their jerseys.  In her junior year, LaPlante won Pac-10 All-Defensive Honorable Mention. Franco joined the team as a walk-on in 2007 and appeared in eight games last season.

• Joining the ranks of female Trojan basketball greats Cheryl Miller and Lisa Leslie, Cynthia Cooper saw her No. 44 jersey hung up on the Galen Center rafters today.  UNC-Wilmington's head coach was a two-time national champion at USC in 1983 and 1984.  She said the honor meant a great deal to her, and she got "emotional because, had it not been for the opportunities that USC gave me, I would have never been a coach or a hall of famer."

• The Trojans came out cold until guard Jacki Gemelos lit it up beyond the arc, and the Women of Troy ran with the momentum heading into the second half.  The unit, which was without starting guard Ashley Corral because of a two-game suspension for a rules violation, locked down defensively and increased the lead to double digits in the second half, but that margin slowly whittled down to four thanks to silly turnovers, careless fouls and shaky low-post play.  Eventually, the Huskies grabbed a 49-48 lead, until a huge Gemelos' three-pointer led the Trojans into overtime tied at 53.  In the extra period, it was a possession-for-possession battle, but USC made more shots when it counted most.  Gemelos led the Women of Troy with 15 points and Briana Gilbreath posted 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks and a steal.

• Michael Cooper on the ladies' biggest improvement heading into the Pac-10 tournament: "Our team. The chemistry of our team is coming around. I think people are finally starting to identify and realize what one another can do.  And trust, I think that's the biggest thing. We're starting to trust each other now."