The kids are starting to flash some skills...
- 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...
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