August 2011 Archives

• Eligibility first: TE Junior Pomee went through his first practice after being cleared by the NCAA, which made him take an additional summer class.  WR Markeith Ambles was declared academically ineligible.  His future at USC is uncertain.
• Good injury news: RB Curtis McNeal is already back in pads after a scary looking knee injury during the Sunday scrimmage, which turned out to be a bruise.  "I thought it was way worse because I had no strength in it and I could not get off the ground," said McNeal.
• More good injury news: Safety Demetrius Wright practiced fully today after sitting out last week with a hip pointer, which also appeared more serious when it happened.  "I could not feel my legs, so I thought it was way worse," said a relieved Wright who rates himself at 70% right now. 
  
• LB Chris Galippo and DB Jawanza Starling were limited.  RB D.J. Morgan had an MRI on his surgically repaired knee that came back fine, but he was not cleared.  Wide receivers Brice Butler (knee), Brandon Carswell (quad) and Robert Woods (ankle) are all out.
• Woods' injured his ankle playing basketball in the spring, but he was 100% going into camp.  He explained that the ankle has gotten stiff on him through the rigorous practices.
• Scary play of the day: Safety Marshall Jones and CB Torin Harris went airborne going after the same pass and crashed into each other.  Jones hurt his knee, but Lane Kiffin expects him to be fine. 
  
• The coaches want to see Harris be physical, so they were happy he attacked the ball without caution.  "I don't know what happened.  I just went up for the ball and I'm guessing he did the same," said Harris.  "I don't have a problem with tackling."
  
• Pomee did not practice in pads, but he is hard to miss with a long mane coming out the back of his helmet.  The tight end caught the first pass thrown his way, but learned a quick ball security lesson after Anthony Brown stripped him.
• Kiffin was visibly upset several times during practice, especially at the offensive line protection.  He gave Wright an earful during tackling drills.  "Yeah, I like him like that.  There was one drill where I did not wrap up and I wanted to kill myself," Wright said.  "I like it when [Kiffin's] tough on me."
• There were a few more eyes on practice than usual as the Salute to Troy patrons party was being held on the Dedeaux Field patio overlooking Howard Jones.  Typically, no one is allowed up there, but this event was cleared through NCAA compliance. 
  
• Wednesday rings in the final two-a-day of 2011 fall camp.  The Trojans will practice at 8:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.  Here is the coach's presser...

• A belated note that Trojan and Raider great Skip Thomas passed away from a heart attack.  Known as "Dr. Death" during his Super Bowl winning Raider days, Thomas (pictured below) had 17 career NFL interceptions.  Click here for a video tribute.
  
• With USC men's basketball getting an early start thanks to the Brazil trip, the media has taken notice.  Sporting News picked up on Dewayne Dedmon's hype.
• Jeff Goodman profiles Kevin O'Neill's background and how it has shaped him as a coach.
• Finally, Jason King provides a preseason preview of the Trojans hoops team.
• A funny note on USC's first football opponent Minnesota: Head coach Jerry Kill is disciplining players by having them clean up horse manure.
  
• Gary Klein profiles USC running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu as he returned to his roots this offseason.
• Scott Wolf is impressed by the development of freshman QB Max Wittek.
• The OC Register looks at USC's uncertainty at the offensive guard position two weeks into camp.
• RB Curtis McNeal escaped serious injury, according to Pedro Moura.
• Whitney Blaine assesses the rise of USC's young linebacking corps.
• WeAreSC columnist Steve Bisheff is not a fan of tailback-by-committee.  
• Stephanie Graves looks at Rhett Ellison's move to fullback.
  
• Pat Haden enters his second year on the job and he's "always on edge," writes Jill Painter.
  
• Trojan great Tom Seaver is the subject of a book, The Last Icon by Stephen Travers.
  
• Lucas Duda continues to deliver for the Mets and the New York Times has taken notice.  Plus, here is his blast from last night.

• Lane Kiffin challenged Matt Barkley to improve his completion percentage, but the starting QB and his understudies were victimized by a succession of first half drops.  The junior finished 17 of 27 for 135 yards with a TD pass and no INTs.  Max Wittek (12/23 for 157 with 2 TDs/1 INT) and Cody Kessler (14/21 for 86 yards with 1 TD/1 INT) continued to impress as they vie for the backup role. 

• Curtis McNeal started the game at running back, but he injured his right knee just three carries into the afternoon.  While the coaches wait for more information on McNeal's condition, Dillon Baxter moves to the top of the depth chart.  The sophomore continued his total makeover with a solid 16 carries for 101 yards and a dazzling 21-yard TD catch-and-run.  "By far his best week since he's been here," said Kiffin.  "It's good to see someone doing things right in practice, off-the-field, and have it pay off here."
  

• The starting defense led by a dominant pass rush gave up just six points to the starting offense before taking the second half off.  While Kiffin did not hint at answers for the second safety or second corner spots, DB Drew McAllister and CB Torin Harris had interceptions.  "I thought Torin Harris showed up today," Kiffin said.  "He made a number of plays, including tackling, which is something we're emphasizing with him."
  

• In the first half at least, freshman PK Andre Heidari was the offensive MVP.  He accounted for all the scoring by making kicks from 21 and 46 yards out.  He's been perfect in the two fall camp scrimmages.  "I think it's awesome playing in the Coliseum now twice and feeling what it's going to be like on game day," Heidari said.
  

• Marqise Lee has distanced himself from the other freshman wide receivers.  With Robert Woods (ankle), Brice Butler (knee) and Brandon Carswell (both quads) on the sidelines, Lee turned in an impressive 7 catch performance totaling 87 receiving yards, including a 56-yard catch-and-run, which was the longest play of the day.  "He's flashed in practice the last two days especially and really showed up today," Kiffin said about Lee.
  

• For now, Rhett Ellison is starting at fullback, which leaves healthy tight ends Randall Telfer and Xavier Grimble to battle it out for the #2 spot or potentially #1 if Ellison stays put.  Telfer (4 catches for 39 yards) got off to a strong start, but he had two drops.  Grimble showed up in the red zone with two TD grabs.  "That's what I am here to do," said Grimble about his touchdowns.  "Catch some short passes, be violent with the DBs and linebackers and soften up the secondary."

• True freshman Charles Burks, who moved from fullback to his natural defensive end just yesterday, made an immediate impression with three sacks today.

• QB Jesse Scroggins does not know a whole lot more about his surgically repaired right thumb ligaments.  He is not certain about the rehab time frame nor how the injury occurred.  He is embracing the obstacle and doing his best to work past it.  "At some point in your college career you are going to go through adversity," Scroggins said Lane Kiffin advised him.  "I guess I just went through mine early."
• A few more freshmen were added to the injury report.  WR George Farmer (back - photo by John McGillen), RB Amir Carlisle (quad), DT Christian Heyward and DE Greg Townsend (ribs) all missed a portion of practice.  Veteran DB Drew McAllister came out with a hamstring issue.
• T.J. McDonald expects to be back tomorrow, but Kiffin is not certain who will be available for preseason game #2 on Sunday.
• As of today, Curtis McNeal is the best all-around running back, according to the head coach.  "Curtis has come further than anyone in our program since the day we got here," Kiffin said.  "There were a lot of questions if Curtis would ever make it in our program.  To see his turnaround and how far he's come, it's why we do it."
• Dillon Baxter is not far behind in the running back race.  The sophomore shaved his 40 time from 4.8 to 4.6 in the offseason despite adding weight.  He still has tremendous vision and innate ability to make defenders miss, which he showed off several times today.
• The wide receivers were working on routes with double moves in them, which allowed Brice Butler to exhibit his superior technical skills.  He drew compliments from Kiffin who oversaw the receiver session.
• CB Isiah Wiley had an interception today.  While Tony Burnett came into camp as the starting cornerback opposite Nickell Robey, Kiffin implied the competition was open and that no one had really impressed him.  Wiley has more than enough athletic ability if he can catch onto the system.
• Maybe under the radar, but TE/FB Rhett Ellison is having a great camp. 
  
• Play of the day: DE Wes Horton batted a pass into the air that was intercepted by DT DaJohn Harris.  The 6'4", 310 pounder tried to rumble 70 yards for a TD, but 5'7", 180 pound, Curtis McNeal chased him down from behind and tried to tackle him.  "Juicy" gave McNeal his best stiff arm, but eventually ran out of gas at the five.  The defense mobbed Harris after the play.
• Physically, freshman OG Aundrey Walker is ready to play at this level, but he is starting over mentally after the switch from right tackle, so veteran Khaled Holmes is tutoring him on the fly.  "That's anyone's responsibility who can contribute in that regard," Holmes said about helping Walker.  "He's come out and showed that he's athletic and he's got the feet and he can play."
  
• Holmes has learned "as much as I can in 10 days" about the center position.  "It's been all ball as it should be during camp, but I'm pretty happy with the progress."
• While left guard is a revolving door, the offensive line is starting to look like the bullies on the block.  Matt Kalil, Walker, Kevin Graf and Holmes form a massive front line.  "I'm tiny man.  I feel like a little guy in there," said the 6'4", 310 pound Holmes.
• Practice is at 3 p.m. Saturday.  Here's Lane Kiffin...

• We could do an entire post on the injury list.  Robert Woods and T.J. McDonald were two big name additions with ankle issues, but Lane Kiffin did not seem overly concerned.
• You can watch the presser below for the full list.  Of note, QB Jesse Scroggins had surgery on the thumb of his throwing hand.  A timetable for his return has not been set.
• LB Dion Bailey limped out to practice on crutches with a foot injury. 
  
• DT Christian Tupou missed practice due to his surgically repaired left knee.  The coaches and trainers are going to protect him as he continues to work his way back to full strength.
• The lengthy injury list is an obvious result of tackling in practice.  At this time last year, Kiffin stopped tackling due to concerns about depth.  This year, he plans to push through with as many healthy guys as he can.  "We're seeing the price for doing what we're doing," the head coach said.  "We'll deal with it."
• Markeith Ambles practiced for the first time during camp.  The highly-touted wide receiver wore a jersey without a number and took reps at defensive back.  "We wanted to see him move around in the DB drills today," Kiffin said about Ambles who awaits word on his academic eligibility.  They had been holding him out, so he could concentrate on school.
• One player's injury is another player's opportunity.  Freshman LB Lamar Dawson is getting all of Chris Galippo's reps.  Freshman LB Tre Madden moved up on the depth chart with Bailey sidelined. 
  
• And, freshman Marqise Lee (photo by John McGillen from Monday) made a real impression at wide receiver.  Lee spent his high school year's in the shadow of Robert Woods and George Farmer, but he is literally jumping out in camp.  He made the play of the day, which ended practice, by leaping high into the air on a sideline fade route and plucking the ball away from CB Isiah Wiley.
• Like everyone else, Kiffin is impressed.  "He just naturally does things, which is why he's such a gifted athlete," he said about Lee.  "I think he's untapped on how good he can be."
• Lee reminds Kiffin of Damian Williams. 
  
• Brice Butler was on crutches last night, but chucked them today and went right back into the mix at full speed.  "I don't know if that would've happened a year ago," said Kiffin.
• Butler did not disagree.  "A year ago, I would've been like, 'I'm not practicing,'" he admitted.  "I can't be nervous about my ankle.  I've just got to go out there and play."
• Butler is competing with Kyle Prater to fulfill the big receiver role.  He has outplayed the redshirt freshman in camp to this point, but he is still working to make an impression on his head coach.  "I don't have that decision to make, but I can put something out on tape," Butler said about playing time.
• Kiffin has always admired Butler's preparation, but he urged the receiver to be more physical this summer.  "There were some things on the field that I wasn't doing and me and coach Kiffin talked about it," he recounted.  "My whole mindset has been about being tough."
• Practice is at 3 p.m. Friday.  Here is Kiffin on a windy day...

• Good news first!  RB Curtis McNeal will be academically eligible this season after getting the necessary grades in summer school.  As Lane Kiffin acknowledged, McNeal has dealt with a lot of adversity at a young age and seems to be coming out the other side a better man.
  
• LB Chris Galippo's MRI on his shoulder came back negative (which is positive).  He has a bruise and likely won't be out too long.
• Brice Butler came out to practice on crutches after suffering an ankle injury. 
  
• OL Giovanni Di Poalo needs shoulder surgery and will miss the entire season.
• The Marine corps 1st Radio Battalion spent the day shadowing the team and watched closely at practice tonight (pictured).  These soldiers served a year in Afghanistan as part of a dangerous daily patrol and they are headed back for another tour of duty.  They are stationed at Camp Pendleton.
  
• In speaking with them, they said they enjoyed special teams coach John Baxter's meeting the most because of his innovative teaching style.  They were really impressed with his leadership skills and the discipline of the team as a whole.  After practice, the unit presented Kiffin with a plaque.
• The marines got a decent show tonight as the Trojans went through live tackling drills for the first time this camp.  In the linebacker group, Kiffin complimented Simione Vehikite.  Freshman Lamar Dawson showed a willingness to get physical.  Redshirt freshman Hayes Pullard had the biggest hit, which dislodged the ball from walk-on Cody Gifford.
  
• The intensity level was raised another notch with the first goal line drill.  Despite an undersized running back corps, the offense dominated the sequence.  McNeal, Dillon Baxter, Amir Carlisle and Robert Woods all got in for scores.
• The coaches have been playing a lot more music in practice this year.  There was a constant soundtrack during Monday's scrimmage and most of tonight.  While it serves as crowd noise, it also gets the players going, especially Galippo, who is a one man dance party.  Although, Brandon Carswell had the dance move of the night as he celebrated a teammate's touchdown by getting on all fours and barking at the defense.  We'll post a photo tomorrow.
• Nick Perry's 2010 season was derailed during the first goal line drill of camp last year when he suffered a high ankle sprain, so he was happy just to make it through unscathed.  "It's a beautiful day to be out here for the Trojans," a smiling Perry said.
• The redshirt junior made the play of the day by leaping to tip a screen pass and then catching his own deflection.  He admitted that he jumped the route because he had "seen it too many times."  He was proud to show off his high school basketball vertical leap.
  
• Jurrell Casey led USC in sacks last season with only 4.5 on the campaign.  The Trojans desperately need Perry to fulfill his tremendous potential as a pass rusher.  "It's just about being hungry and coming together as a defensive line unit," Perry explained.
• The group has no doubt been improved by the addition of Devon Kennard.  "He's a first team guy," Perry praised.  "He gives it up every play.  We're lucky to have him."
• The defensive line might get one more boost before camp ends if Armond Armstead can get medically cleared.  "It would be huge.  That would be one more piece to the puzzle that we're missing right now.  We can't do it without him," said Perry who admitted that the extra body would help keep everyone in the rotation fresh.
• Thursday's practice is at 3 p.m.  Short and sweet from Kiffin tonight...

• New names on the injury list: QB Jesse Scroggins, S T.J. McDonald and LB Chris Galippo.  Scroggins sprained a ligament in the thumb on his throwing hand last night.  McDonald twisted his ankle this evening, but played through the pain.  Galippo banged his shoulder, but they did not deem the injury serious.
• Lane Kiffin confirmed that Demetrius Wright suffered a hip pointer last night.  He was on crutches today, but he is expected to recover quickly.
• If Wright does miss extended time, Jawanza Starling will likely benefit.  He lost his starting job due to tackling deficiencies last year, but he's improved in that area.  "In high school, I was one of the biggest players, so I never really had form tackling," Starling explained.  "It was more like just throwing my shoulder and throwing my body in there and they were going to fall."
  
• The offensive line is starting to sort itself out.  Now that the coaches are comfortable with Kevin Graf at right tackle, freshman Aundrey Walker moved inside to right guard.  He looked good today in his new role and Kiffin complimented his performance in the preseason game.  It appears that it's his job to lose.
• At the other guard spot, the rest of the candidates will compete, which includes John Martinez, Jeremy Galten, Martin Coleman and Abe Markowitz.  Kiffin said he was not happy with the guard play after looking at the film.
• He is pleased with freshman LB Lamar Dawson.  The Kentucky native is playing right behind Chris Galippo at middle linebacker, so he moved to the #1 spot temporarily when the senior hurt his shoulder.  "We have someone pretty special," Kiffin told his staff today.
  
• At the skill positions, Curtis McNeal broke off several long runs.  He is gaining a reputation for consistent practice intensity.  "Curtis McNeal has a solid practice every practice," teammate Dillon Baxter said.  "He is one of the guys that makes me work every day."
• The practice was interception free until LB Will Andrew picked off Max Wittek.
• Kyle Prater made the catch of the day with a leaping sideline grab in traffic and he got a foot down.  He has struggled at times in camp making the routine reception, but he has the ability to make the spectacular play.
• Play of the day: Cody Kessler hit Victor Blackwell on a 65-yard bomb for a freshmen touchdown connection.
  
• Anthony Brown is not a household name yet, but the cornerback enjoyed a strong spring and earned the nickel spot entering camp.  "I really know the plays now, so when my name is called, I'm able to play fast," said Brown.  "I'm breaking much quicker to the ball, which was one of my weaknesses last year."
• Wednesday brings the first two-a-day of the 2011 fall camp.  The Trojans will practice at 8:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.

• The defensive coaches emphasized getting faster defensively in the offseason by switching Devon Kennard to defensive end from linebacker and Dion Bailey from safety to linebacker.  The latter move paid huge dividends tonight as Bailey used his natural cover skills to intercept passes on back-to-back plays, including returning one for a touchdown.  "When I guard tight ends now, it is like taking candy from a baby," said Bailey about his confidence in coverage.  "When the quarterback throws the ball to the tight end, I feel like I should get my hands on it every time."

• D.J. Morgan (24 carries for 160 yards and a fumble) started at tailback, but after tonight, Dillon Baxter (12 carries for 103 yards and 1 TD plus a receiving TD) has a nose in front on top of the depth chart.  Both runners posted gaudy stats, but Baxter did not fumble and earned some hard yards against the top defensive unit.  While he came in with a reputation as a scat back, the San Diego native is bulking up and running more downhill.  "Once you hit the hole, a lot more things will open up for you," said Baxter about dancing less.

• Speaking of moves up the depth chart, Cody Kessler looked like the future USC quarterback tonight.  The true freshman completed a nearly perfect 16 of 18 passes for 187 yards to go with 3 TDs and an INT.  While he does not light up the radar gun like Jesse Scroggins and Max Wittek, Kessler plays his best when the lights are the brightest.  "He's not the guy that walks on the field and blows you away," said Lane Kiffin who described the young QB as a "gamer."
  

• 6'5" Kyle Prater (pictured wearing the new double striped practice pants) is an inviting target for Matt Barkley (10 for 20 for 82 yards and 1 TD/1 INT), but the lanky redshirt freshman struggled with drops tonight despite reeling in six balls for 38 yards.  Instead, once forgotten 6'4" Brice Butler is looking like the classic X receiver earning praise for his toughness and contributing 5 receptions for 90 yards and 2 TDs (1 rushing).

• The much ballyhooed freshmen receiving trio (George Farmer, Marqise Lee and Victor Blackwell) did not play a single snap in the first half.  They did make some highlights late in the night, including a leaping hands catch for a score by the uber-athletic Lee.  Lane Kiffin bemoaned the typical freshmen mental mistakes at all positions, but made the point that RB Amir Carlisle (10 carries for 82 yards and a TD) was the exception.

• A few more starting lineup notes: Anthony Brown (6 tackles and 2 pass deflections) is the third corner as of now.  Defensive tackles Christian Tupou and DaJohn Harris started over George Uko.  Rhett Ellison took the first reps at fullback.
  

• Starting safety Demetrius Wright suffered what appeared to be a serious injury, but it turned out just to be a hip pointer, according to Kiffin.

Written by Jovan Buha, USC blog contributor

Almost every successful athlete has a backstory that separates him or her from the rest of the crowd. In most cases, athletes use their life obstacles - as light or burdensome as they may be - as motivation for their athletic achievements. 

Dewayne Dedmon's hurdle on his path to Division I basketball is far from conventional. Due to religious responsibilities, Dedmon's mother felt it was in his best interest not to partake in sporting activities, and focus on church instead. The 21-year-old power forward/center didn't starting playing organized basketball until he turned 18 years old, right before the start of his senior year at Lancaster High School. 

As a 6'9 senior, Dedmon didn't play much, averaging a mere 1.4 points and 3.0 rebounds. After developing a passion for basketball, Dedmon greyshirted at Antelope Valley College (after growing to 7-foot, 225 lbs.), sitting out his first season as a part-time student. In his second year, Dedmon helped lead Antelope Valley to a 17-14 record with averages of 6.6 points and 7.8 rebounds. 

A forehead and nasal cavity injury caused Dedmon to miss the last seven games of conference play, but he returned in time for the playoffs. After turning down offers from Texas and Washington, Dedmon chose USC, and redshirted after transferring during the second semester to preserve eligibility (officially a redshirt sophomore). 

Kevin O'Neill is high on Dedmon and adamant he could be a potential first round pick in the NBA. It won't be an easy task, though, as the pressure will be on Dedmon, as well as James Blasczyk, Aaron Fuller and Garrett Jackson, to fill the void left by Nikola Vucevic and Alex Stepheson. When asked about his greatest strength and weakness, Dedmon was quick to respond.

"My strength is that I play hard," he said. "No matter what the score is, no matter what I'm going through, if I'm sick or injured, I'm going to play hard regardless. I feel like I can just get better in every aspect of my game. That's what I'm focusing on. Everything."

Dedmon says he hasn't been given a particular role yet, but claims "when he [Coach O'Neill] tells me that, that's when I'll go and play that role." Although he has been focusing on improving his game this offseason, as well as working on conditioning and weightlifting, Dedmon feels team chemistry is the key for the Trojans.

"Just get everybody's chemistry together so we can play together as a team. Because when you get team chemistry together, it's harder to beat a team as a whole than when they're individuals by themselves. That's my focus."

The thing he is looking forward to most this upcoming season, other than the Brazil trip, is facing the Trojans' crosstown rival for the first time.

"I just want to beat UCLA. That's my big goal. Twice. Here and there. That's my biggest goal." 

• The injury list is growing although nothing seems particularly serious.  DT Christian Tupou was sidelined mid-session by an issue with his surgically repaired knee.  Lane Kiffin does not know the severity of the problem, but he thinks it's typical soreness from three straight days.
• OL Giovanni Di Poalo (shoulder), OL Cody Temple (back) and CB Torin Harris (concussion test) missed some or all of practice.
  
• Freshman J.R. Tavai left with a hamstring injury.  He is listed on the roster as a defensive tackle, but he's been working in with the linebacker group and wears a typical linebacker number (#58).
• In special teams work, freshmen George Farmer, Amir Carlisle and Marqise Lee are starting to get reps with the returners.
• On the kicking side, the competitions at placekicker and punter are not going to be easily won by the freshmen.  PK Andre Heidari needs to work on his conditioning after gaining weight this summer before he holds off walk-on Craig McMahon.  At punter, Kris Albarado is getting a stern test from redshirt junior transfer Kyle Negrete who consistently outdistanced him today.
• Play of the day: LB Shane Horton made a tremendous stretching interception in the red zone.  The redshirt senior is one of many players who appears to finally be healthy after he battled a hip issue all last year.
• Kiffin mentioned CB Nickell Robey and DT George Uko as other defensive standouts.  DB Jawanza Starling had some big hits despite the no tackling rule.  The offense could not move the ball with any kind of consistency throughout the session, which does not trouble Kiffin.  "If we're going to be great here, we've got to play great defense," the head coach said.
• The running back group has only gotten more cluttered since the start of camp with the emergence of freshman Amir Carlisle.  All four backs are similarly sized without Marc Tyler in the mix, so someone will need to prove that he can earn the hard yards.  "'Moody' is a hard runner and our new little freshman Amir is running pretty hard and I think I can do pretty good in goal line this year," said Dillon Baxter.
• Baxter has drawn compliments from the coaches and staff about his improved attitude after a trying freshman season.  "I was just tired of being on ESPN for bad stuff," Baxter said about his disciplinary transformation.  "Football is coming good right now, so I think things are turning around a little bit."
• While Curtis "Moody" McNeal is the smallest of the bunch, he excelled in pass blocking drills, which will help shake his diminutive stereotype.  The running backs will get their first real test on Monday when they can start breaking tackles.
• As you can see in the picture, "No Distractions" has been painted as the first message the players receive upon entering the practice field.
• Here is the head coach after a marathon matinee...

• Freshman DT J.R. Tavai left practice with a hamstring injury.  Otherwise, the injury report was pretty clean.
• The increased number of healthy bodies and a bloated 2011 recruiting class gives the coaching staff much more flexibility than they had last year.  The first preseason game is Monday and Lane Kiffin said that they have enough bodies to field two teams and simulate a real game, which was never the case last year or during the spring.
• Freshman RB Amir Carlisle is the story of fall camp through two practices.  He broke off several long runs and displayed great vision and speed.  Plus, he is a 4.0 student, so he is catching on quick. 
  
• For what it's worth, Dillon Baxter was the first running back up in team drills, but he appears to be splitting carries equally with D.J. Morgan and Curtis McNeal.
• Kevin Graf might be moving ahead in the battle at right tackle.  "We're starting to feel better about our right tackle," Kiffin said.
  
• The head coach seems more concerned with the unsettled guard spots.  Jeremy Galten and John Martinez are running with the first team, but true freshmen Cyrus Hobbi and Aundrey Walker will get serious consideration.  "We've got to figure out our guards and figure out if it's going to be a true freshman," Kiffin said.
• The wide receiver position is absolutely loaded.  With the return of Kyle Prater and Brice Butler, who drew praise from the head coach, to go along with the three freshmen, Matt Barkley has no shortage of weapons at his disposal.  Marqise Lee jumped out again today (literally) by displaying freakish leaping ability.
• Speaking of receivers, Robert Woods is much more vocal this season.  Last year, he quietly went about his business, but he has found his voice early in camp.
  
• Quote of the day: "Our young skilled guys on offense are starting to look like what they used to here," said Kiffin.
• Defensively, Chris Galippo is the quarterback.  He needs to orchestrate a unit devoid of much experience.  "I am naturally extremely vocal," said the redshirt senior.  "Our offense thrives on me messing up because I talk so much during practice."
  
• Galippo, who said he's as healthy as he's ever been, was expected to be the next great USC linebacker after a star-studded career at Servite, so he can relate to the immediate pressure heaped on Lamar Dawson who was tagged with #55 on day one.  "I credit him for being as humble as he is.  He listens, which is a good quality to have as a younger guy," said Galippo, who advised Dawson to be a sponge.  "[The freshmen] are still kind of running around with their heads cut off."
• The picture above is of a patch on Devon Kennard's jersey, which denotes guys who have a top ten GPA on the team or a cumulative 3.0 or better.
• Here is a less excited Lane Kiffin after practice two...

• The health news was almost all positive as camp begins.  Freshman OL Cody Temple (back) was the only player fully sidelined.  Eight players suffered from cramps during the session.
  
• DL Armond Armstead reported, "I do not have a heart condition."  He missed spring practice, while undergoing tests, but he expects to return by the season opener.
• Markeith Ambles was not at practice, so he could concentrate on finishing the summer school session strong.  Incoming freshmen "Buck" Allen and Junior Pomee are still tending to summer high school classes.
  
• In general, Lane Kiffin was extremely positive after practice.  He credited the strength staff with improving the entire roster physically.  "What I saw today, we looked different than a year ago," Kiffin said.  "I know it's day one, but we challenged them physically and mentally."
• The offensive line is the position group that most needs sorting out.  On day one, the veterans were getting the majority of the first team reps.  RT Kevin Graf, RG Jeremy Galten and LG John Martinez joined stalwarts Khaled Holmes and Matt Kalil with the first group.
• Behind center, the back-up quarterback competition still appears wide open.  All three candidates (Jesse Scroggins, Cody Kessler and Max Wittek) struggled with accuracy.  Of course, it is only day one.
• A healthy Drew McAllister is a welcome sight.  The redshirt junior has been held back by hip injuries during his time at Troy, but when healthy, he displays tremendous instincts from the deep safety spot.  He had one of many interceptions tonight.
• On the freshman front, WR Marqise Lee was productive during the team portion.  Physically, you cannot help but be awed at times by WR George Farmer and OL Aundrey Walker.
• The fullback group is much deeper than the spring when Soma Vainuku was the only real option.  TE Rhett Ellison worked in with that unit alongside freshman Charles Burks and walk-on Hunter Simmons.
• Funniest play of the day: Chris Galippo made a diving deflection of a Barkley pass that caromed to Shane Horton for an interception.  After an extended delayed reaction, Galippo bounced up screaming, "I tipped it!"   He then took off for the end zone to celebrate with Horton.
• Barkley and Robert Woods hooked up on a gorgeous 40-yard rainbow for a TD.  Brandon Carswell also caught a bomb to draw "oohs" from a larger-than-usual crowd of media and family.
• Christian Tupou is the most noticeable difference from last year.  From the team stretch to the final horns, he provides an infectious spirit and energy, which was lacking at times last season.  "You can't play this game without emotions," said the senior leader.  "That's just me and I guess that's what my teammates feed off of."
• His voice is particularly important to the young freshmen who were experiencing their first USC practice tonight.  "We're constantly on them and helping them.  We're just trying to be that older brother to them.  We're trying to make it easy for them because it's the first day and they are just trying to tread water."
• Former head coach John Robinson attended practice.  Here's the current head coach taking questions...
  

• USC women's lacrosse head coach Lindsey Munday and assistant Devon Wills will suit up for the U.S. national team as they build toward the 2013 World Cup in Canada.
• The New York Times discussed the NCAA's penalty of vacating wins using USC as a case study.
• The LA Times Bill Dwyre believes Pat Haden has USC on the right track with better days ahead.
• Coaching legend and former Trojan hoopster Tex Winter will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame next week.  Here's all the info:
  2011EnshrinementMediaSchedule.docx
• Former USC water polo player Alison Riddle is pushing the sport of competitive lifeguarding.
• Pedro Moura previewed the men's basketball team as they prepare for the trip to Brazil.
• Scott Wolf has an injury update on Trojan track star Bryshon Nellum.
• Michael Lev previews fall camp, which gets underway Thursday.
• Whitney Blaine takes a look at the Horton brothers who will both be huge factors in the 2011 USC defense.
• Steve Bisheff still views Lane Kiffin as a mystery heading into year two of his tenure.
  
• The 50th annual 6-Man volleyball tournament at Manhattan Beach was dominated by Trojans last weekend.  The winning men's squad was led by a USC core of Murphy Troy, Austin Zahn (pictured below), Tri Bourne and Riley McKibbin.  They defeated the three-time defending champs.  The women's champions were led by former Trojan Diane Copenhagen (pictured right).

• OL Butch Lewis signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.
• DL Derek Simmons signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
• Punter Jacob Harfman signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
• Six former USC players have now been signed as undrafted free agents to go along with nine Trojans who were selected on draft day.
• Pete Carroll and Co. asked LB Lofa Tatupu to restructure his contract.  The former Pro Bowler was granted his release by the Seahawks when they could not agree to terms. 
  
• Here's a great shot of WR David Ausberry signing his first professional contract with the Oakland Raiders...