Despite a lengthy scrimmage last night, the coaches continued to push the team hard in shoulder pads.
- 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.
Leave a comment