August 2012 Archives

• Lane Kiffin was much happier today with his team's focus and sharpness.  The mental errors from Wednesday's practice were rectified today.
• The head coach was asked for the umpteenth time about dealing with all the hype surrounding this team.  "My number one job, especially with the hype around this season and this team, is to make sure that they are ready to play."
• One staple of the Kiffin philosophy is energy conservation before games.  This coaching staff takes pride in having the slowest pregame warmups.  He expects that Saturday's sold out season opener could lure the players into a frenzy, so the coaches will guard against lost energy.
• (Photo of Matt Barkley and Kiffin by John McGillen)
  
• LB Simione Vehikite has returned to the team after serving a jail sentence and fulfilling the requirements necessary to regain his spot on the roster.  "Simi is back with our team," Kiffin said.  "He has been through a lot.  While he was not with us, he had a great semester last spring, passed 20 units and is very close to graduating."
• Norm Chow spoke glowingly about USC during an interview on the "Mason and Ireland Show" on ESPN Radio yesterday.  "USC is very admirable in their commitment to athletics and their commitment to that university both athletically and academically," said Chow in comparison to UCLA.  
• Chow and his wife still live in Manhattan Beach in the offseason.  He had two sons graduate from USC.
• Former Tennessee AD Mike Hamilton attended practice today.  He was Kiffin's athletic director during his tenure in Knoxville.
  
• USC will have a walk-thru on Friday, which is closed to the media, so here are your final thoughts from Kiffin before kickoff.

• A Thursday practice is always light on contact and heavy on scout team.  The head coach is glad to have time for two Thursdays this week.  "A lot of mistakes today," Kiffin said.  "We expect it to be a lot cleaner tomorrow."
• 1995 Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George was at practice today sporting a Trojan shirt.  He is part of the Fox Network team calling the game Saturday alongside Gus Johnson and Erin Andrews.
  
• Kiffin will once again battle his mentor Norm Chow this week.  Since leaving USC, the two have faced off in the NFL, and at Chow's stops at UCLA, Utah and now Hawaii.  "Somehow, we just keep following him around," joked Kiffin.  He also praised Chow as "one of the greatest minds to ever coach college football."
• Given the scholarship reductions, walk-on LB Will Andrew, who received a one-year scholarship last year, was not able to receive one again this season.  "We look at it as a positive," said Kiffin.  "We don't see it as ever taking one away.  He was fortunate to have one for a year.  That's a lot of money off his parents."
• Kiffin made an interesting observation about the importance of winning with style in Los Angeles, which is known for star-studded sports teams. "L.A. isn't a town that's real fired up about winning games 14-10.  There is a showtime element to it."
• Senior CB Brian Baucham is excited just to be part of the show again.  He is back at practice after sitting out fall camp waiting to hear about his eligibility.  "I am happy to be out here with my team and playing with my boys," said a smiling Baucham.  "At the end of the day, I thank USC.  They told me that they are going to push me and help me get my degree."
• Baucham could play an important role in the secondary, which is lacking depth at cornerback.  "I feel like I have an opportunity to make an impact just based on the team chemistry," he said.
• Baucham is the latest member of the defensive back group to effusively praise new secondary coach Marvin Sanders.
  
• Sophomore PK Andre Heidari lost 45 lbs. since last year.  He dropped from 240 down to 195.  "Losing the weight really helped me swing up a lot more and get through the ball more at contact and improve my hang time and put a little more distance on my ball," he explained.
• Heidari will play a key role in special teams coach John Baxter's strategy for kickoffs.  With the kickoff line moved up five yards, Heidari can consistently deliver the ball to the back of the end zone, but a touchback comes out to the 25 now.
• "If we can pin opponents inside the 25-yard line, it will be harder for them to score," Heidari talked about using high lofting kicks.  "We also can kick it out of the back of the end zone to avoid returns."
• Here is the rest of Kiffin's media scrum...

• Max Wittek was named the backup quarterback today by Lane Kiffin.  Wittek and fellow redshirt freshman Cody Kessler have battled for two years, and the competition remains open to replace Matt Barkley in 2013. 
• "I am excited about the opportunity obviously," said Wittek, who was told by Kiffin this morning.  "I have to stay ready every game...stay ready every play.  I have to take advantage of my opportunities when they come."
• Wittek (pictured by John McGillen) lost out to Kessler last year to be Barkley's No. 2, but he has improved his command of the huddle and overall confidence.  "Compete everyday," Wittek said about his focus this past year.  "Regardless of what number on the depth chart you are, we all make each other better."
  
• In typical Kiffin fashion, he told Wittek that walk-on John Manoogian was going to be the backup before breaking the news to Wittek that he won the job.
• Kiffin on the backup QB battle: "We feel very confident about both guys.  Really there isn't much difference between them.  This will have nothing to do with who is the starter next season."
• If the scoreboard situation allows it, Kiffin hopes to play both Wittek and Kessler in games this year.  Neither have taken a college snap before.
  
• As for practice today, "I thought they were a little bit sluggish getting used to the 6 a.m. format," said Kiffin.
• CB Brian Baucham practiced for the first time today, so he was flying around the field and landed a pair of big hits despite the no-contact rules.
• TE Xavier Grimble, who struggled during camp with drops, broke loose down the seam for a touchdown pass from Barkley.
• The offensive line is starting to gel under the leadership of senior captain Khaled Holmes.  "I am really confident where we are right now," he said.  "I think we are going to have a good day on Saturday."
• Holmes spoke at Salute to Troy about how much it meant to wear the C on his jersey.  "It means the world to me.  It's honestly the biggest honor in my life."
• Here is the massive media scrum around Kiffin as game week brings out the crowd...

• A new media policy was announced following today's practice. The media will no longer be able to report on injuries, strategy and practice participation. Kiffin believes that reporting on injuries gives opponents a competitive advantage.
  
• Following Sunday's post-practice presser, Kiffin announced that the back-up quarterback will be probably be named following Tuesday's practice. There has been no indication on whether the back-up spot with be Kessler or Wittek. Kiffin has said in previous statements that he would feel comfortable putting either of the two in the game, if needed.
• Walk-on punter Kyle Negrete earned a scholarship. During the 2011 season, Negrete appeared in 11 games and averaged 40.1 yards on his 39 punts. He was awarded the 2011 Joe Collins Walk-on Award and is currently a Burlsworth Trophy candidate. 
• With Hawaii on the horizon, the Trojans are prepping for the Warriors physicality. "They are a very aggressive bunch and they always play with heart no matter what happens," TB Curtis McNeal said. "We're ready for them but we just have to match their energy and play Trojan football."
  
• Before the start of fall camp, the depth at running back was one of the biggest concerns. After a successful fall camp, McNeal feels that by having fellow tailback Silas Redd, the USC running back corps has been greatly enhanced. "We feel more comfortable in the backfield and we test each other to see if we know our stuff so if one of us comes out, there's no stopping our offense," McNeal said. "Silas played at Penn State and he brings a lot of experience to our backfield."
• Since the conclusion of the 2011 season, McNeal has worked on getting stronger in preparation for his new role within the USC offense. "I got a little bit stronger in the off-season and I am capable of more now," McNeal said. "I don't know how many times my number will be called but I am going to be ready regardless of what it is."
  
• The team will have tomorrow off for the first day of school. Starting on Tuesday, USC will practice at 8 a.m. for the rest of the season. 
• Here is Kiffin's post-practice presser...

• The 2012 USC football captains: QB Matt Barkley, OL Khaled Holmes, S T.J. McDonald and CB Nickell Robey.  Barkley is the first three-time captain in the history of the program.
• The coaches did their best to make today's scrimmage a dress rehearsal for next week.  The team stayed in the downtown hotel, bussed to campus and got dressed in full uniform.  The scout team even mimicked Hawaii by running out with the Warriors' flag and performing a pregame "Haka" led by TE Junior Pomee.
• Pomee also led the scout team on the field.  He was a dominant presence for the opposition featuring mostly walk-ons and third team scholarship players.
• The Trojans had the better of it on the day by a large margin.  All three quarterbacks sparkled.  Matt Barkley (8/12 for 140 yards and 2 TDs and 1 INT) looked game ready, while backups Max Wittek (5/7 for 101 yards and 1 TD) and Cody Kessler (12/15 for 129 yards and 2 TDs) are more than capable understudies.
• Curtis McNeal starred for the running back unit breaking off a 65-yard touchdown run, while Silas Redd hauled in a catch for six.
• The starting receivers, Marqise Lee (6 catches for 96 yards and a TD) and Robert Woods (4 catches for 116 yards and a TD), present the ultimate pick your poison scenario.  Freshman WR Nelson Agholor also broke free deep for a 42-yard TD bomb from Kessler.
• The defense shined by forcing more turnovers in the secondary.  Redshirt freshman CB Ryan Henderson picked off Barkley's first throw of the day and then CB Anthony Brown answered with an interception on the next play.  LB Hayes Pullard also had an 80-yard pick-six.
• With Torin Harris sidelined and Brian Baucham missing all of fall camp, walk-on CB Ryan Dillard and true freshman Kevon Seymour are currently the third and fourth corners up.  Dillard had an interception in the scrimmage.
  
• The 2 hour and 30 minute scrimmage marked the official end to fall camp.  "It's time to go," Lane Kiffin told the team.  "This is real ball now."
  
• While Pomee was the surprise star of the scrimmage, Kiffin called the physically gifted tight end "extremely inconsistent."  He has had issues learning the playbook and lining up in the right spots.
• Matt Barkley gets the last word.  A week out from his senior season, the Heisman frontrunner is ready to go.  "It's about time.  Since December...I've been waiting for this day to come."
• Here is Lane Kiffin's final presser of fall camp...

• USC did not wear pads in today's practice. Practice was also much shorter and focused on drills with the first team and the scout team.
• Kiffin announced today that LB Marquis Simmons and CB Brian Baucham are both eligible. CB Isiah Wiley was ruled ineligible. Wiley started the second half of the 2011 season. While appearing in 10 games, Wiley had 39 tackles and a fumble recovery.
  
• DE Wes Horton, CB Torin Harris and TE Randall Telfer did not practice today.
• Throughout Fall Camp, the offensive line has had to deal with injuries, forcing Max Tuerk and Nathan Guertler to step up. OL John Martinez stated that the offensive line will be ready for Hawaii even though newer faces have been in the mix. "The freshman came in, like Max [Tuerk] and Zach [Banner], and I can already tell that these are really smart guys," Martinez said. "They've caught on to the little things and what to do in certain situations. We're on a good foot right now."
• Earlier in Fall Camp, Kiffin said that OL Kevin Graf will remain on the right side rather than filling in at left tackle. Graf prepared to play on either the left or the right side. Graf's ability to play either side is a huge advantage to the USC offensive line and may be needed later in the season. "You just have to be prepared for both, which I was," Graf said. "I worked both left and right and I was ready for whatever side that they put me on."
• The Trojans will see a familiar face on the Hawaii sideline on Sept. 1-Norm Chow, USC's former offensive coordinator (2001-2004). "We honestly haven't talked about Coach Chow," Graf said. "I know him pretty well as he coached my brother [Derek Graf] when he was here. Now we are starting to watch film on Hawaii and focusing on their defense."
  
• Tonight the Trojans will travel to a hotel and treat tomorrow's practice as a mock game.  
  
• Here is Kiffin's post-practice presser...

• "[This is] really the last practice of our camp as far as having pads on and being physical," Lane Kiffin said.  "We needed to do this without scrimmaging this weekend."
• Saturday's "scrimmage" is more of a mental mock game.  The team will get a dress rehearsal in terms of the procedure of a home game from the hotel to dressing to warmups and pregame routine.
• In that same vein, practice broke into scout team for the first time today.  The coaches want the scout team ready for next week to accurately simulate Hawaii.
  
• Marqise Lee made another jaw-dropping catch, which even caused an audible reaction from the media in attendance.  He dove for a long pass, hauled it in on his fingertips, performed a somersault and popped right back up.  (Photo by John McGillen)
  
• Kiffin on getting Lee touches: "If you're going to make the statement that he may go down as the best receiver ever, you better make sure you put the ball in his hands."
  
• The starting defense for the Hawaii opener is beginning to take shape.  CB Torin Harris and LB Lamar Dawson have been injured for most of camp and continue to rehab.  In their stead, CB Anthony Brown and LB Hayes Pullard have stepped up.
• Kiffin on Pullard's transition to middle linebacker:  "Extremely confident.  I can't imagine a guy could have done better than he did.  It may be his spot at the next level."
  
• Brown started for Harris last year and played well before breaking his ankle in the game against Cal.  "It just made me work two times harder in the offseason," Brown said.  "I did not miss a day of [rehab].  It's just a mindset.  You have to go get it."
  
• If Brown starts opposite Nickell Robey, the pair will have to make up in toughness what they lack in height.  "I'm a little bit taller than Nickell," said Brown, who is an inch taller than the 5'7" Robey.  "He's a dominant corner.  I look up to Nickell as a leader."
• Kiffin expects the team to be hyped up by the sellout crowds this season.  He sees it as another step to returning Troy to what it should be.  "It's our job to put the product on the field to get the fans to come," he said.
• Here is Kiffin's post-practice presser...

• Lane Kiffin has been pleased by the sharpness of his team's play this week.  "They are going the right direction," he said.  "For the most part, things are going well."
• Kiffin is happy with the way the "second-tier guys" have stepped up and learned the playbook.  As examples, he mentioned WR Nelson Agholor, RB D.J. Morgan, RB Silas Redd and LT Max Tuerk. 
  
• The football team met with USC President Max Nikias today.  He used the ancient military metaphor of the shield and the phalanx to explain to the men that they need to protect their teammates.
• Nikias also expressed his thanks to the senior class, "The university will always be grateful to you for sticking through some tough times."
• Under 10 days until kickoff, the team is ready to hit someone else, but the coaches are thankful to have more time to prepare the younger players.  "You have some guys that could go play today and some guys that aren't close," Kiffin said.  "You just try to change things up."
• WR George Farmer was a big story at the start of fall camp as a hamstring issue sidelined his bid for more playing time.  The now healthy wideout is working his way back into the mix.  "The thing I need to work on is staying consistent throughout practice," Farmer said.
• Farmer made the play of the day hauling in a bomb from Max Wittek.  He might have the fastest straight line speed of all the receivers.
  
• Despite his high profile background, Farmer is focused on doing the little things to earn playing time.  "If they need me to make that big block to get them in the end zone, I'll do it.  If they need me to make a catch, I'll do it.  Even if it is to be a decoy, I'll do it."
• In his introductory interview, which we will post Thursday, Zach Banner mentioned that his high school coach moved him to the left side because he was blocking his quarterbacks field of vision.  He is playing right tackle as of now at USC. 
  
• QB Cody Kessler on Banner's height being an issue: "No.  He is a big dude at almost 6'10", but our protection schemes have him out of the way even on a quick three-step drop."
• The Trojans are back at it Thursday and Friday afternoon before a lighter scrimmage on Saturday.  Hawaii week officially begins on Sunday.
• (Photo of Nikias by John McGillen)
  
• Here is Lane Kiffin after practice...

• The Trojan offense was similar to yesterday's practice. Kiffin was pleased with the energy in all three phases of the game especially with the "dynamic guys showing up on offense," he said.
  
• The timing between QB Matt Barkley and WR Robert Woods is back on track to what it was last season. QB Max Wittek also completed a 70 yard pass to WR Marqise Lee.
  
• OT Kevin Graf returned to practice today after missing a few days. Graf was out because of an unspecified injury.
  
• Just over a week before the season opener, the back-up quarterback has not been selected. Kiffin stated previously last week that the back-up would be selected before the season started. "We're not in the season yet so we have not named one," Kiffin said. "I consider the season to really be that first week of practice. I think both of them have a really good grasp of our offense and I can see some areas where both of them can play."
• Safety Drew McAllister is hoping to make an impact within the USC defense this season. "We like finding roles for everybody and Drew is obviously part of that, whether that is on special teams, defense or both," Kiffin said. "He's been here a long time and it will be great for him to have a good season." In his career, McAllister has 54 tackles and 3 interceptions. 
• ESPN Analyst Kirk Herbstreit selected WR Marqise Lee as the top receiver in the country in his 12th annual Herbie Awards. "For someone to say that, I appreciate it but I have big shoes to fill because I actually have to show them what I can do and prove the statement correct," Lee said. "Therefore, I will continue to work hard and do what I do in practice and hopefully it shows up in the game."
  
• Lee felt that the poor scrimmage performance boosted the morale of the receiving corps in both Monday's and Tuesday's practices. "Truthfully, I feel we didn't do as well as we were supposed to in the scrimmage. We had a meeting with the receivers because we feel like that was one of the main problems of the scrimmage," Lee said. "We came out here yesterday, talked to each other, picked it up and made sure we went full speed."
  
• Here is Kiffin...

• Lane Kiffin was pleased with the response of his team particularly on offense.  "I think the offense was humbled a little bit," the head coach said of the scrimmage.
  
• After looking at the film, Kiffin has decided to keep the position battle information to himself.  "I want to keep the competition going here and not really play it out in the media," he said.
  
• S Jawanza Starling is happy with what he put on tape as he continues to try to hold off Demetrius Wright.  The senior was excellent down the stretch last season, but he is still forced to compete.  "Every day you have to come in and prepare to work hard for your spot," Starling said.  "This is USC...nothing is given to you."
• The offensive skill positions do not have a lot of competition at the top of the depth chart, so Kiffin is worried about complacency.  "We try to challenge our guys not to be the best at their position group but to be the best in the country," Kiffin said.
  
• Kiffin was candid in his criticism of all three quarterbacks, which of course includes Matt Barkley.  "I never got in a rhythm," said Barkley.  "It was a weird day."
  
• Barkley and the rest of the position leaders challenged the younger players to raise the level of their game and preparation.  "You've got to kind of grow up now," he said about his inexperienced teammates.  "It's time to make plays.  It's time to know your stuff or else you're going to hold us back."
  
• The two star receivers were not immune either, and Kiffin singled out "No. 2 and No. 9" as responding with an all-out effort today.  Robert Woods made another spectacular touchdown catch in the back corner of the end zone.
• All three QBs were efficient in practice, but Cody Kessler stood out with two accurate TD passes in tight windows to TE Xavier Grimble and WR De'Von Flournoy.
• DL J.R. Tavai, who returned to practice after an injury stint, made the defensive play of the day by knocking a ball down in coverage of a tight end.  While Tavai is undersized for a defensive lineman, he makes up for it with a high motor and plus athleticism.
• Also on the defensive line, Kiffin pointed out that DE Morgan Breslin played well in the scrimmage after a rough week of practice. 
  
• The media was introduced to freshmen WR Nelson Agholor and OL Max Tuerk.  We will post those interviews Tuesday. 
  
• Here is Lane Kiffin's complete post-practice presser...
  

• Dominant Defense - The defense forced five turnovers (four interceptions) and stopped the offense on downs twice in an impressive performance against one of the nation's best offenses.  While the offense had the better of it all week, the D responded on the live stage Sunday.  "The higher the turnover ratio, the better the team," said senior captain T.J. McDonald, who had a pick.  "Execution is something that is going to fuel emotion."  McDonald and Lane Kiffin singled out Gerald Bowman as a standout in the secondary.
  

• Sluggish Offense - On the other side, the first team offense never got in sync.  Many of the star players sat out the first half, which featured live tackling, and then came out in the second half and looked out of sorts.  Matt Barkley (8/19 for 119 yards) led just one touchdown drive (25-yard pass to FB Soma Vainuku) and threw two interceptions.  "We didn't play very well at any of our [offensive] position groups," Kiffin said.  "You saw Matt make some decisions that he usually doesn't make and I think that was a product of being frustrated."
  

• Scrimmage Starr - Freshman LB Scott Starr was one of the MVPs of the game.  He grabbed two interceptions, while leading the defensive effort from his middle linebacker position.  Starr arrived a semester early and the added knowledge is paying dividends.  "I feel like a different player from the spring," Starr said.  "Now, it is starting to slow down for me."

• Conservative Kessler - While Max Wittek (6/16 for 104 yards) threw two interceptions, Cody Kessler kept a clean sheet, while leading two of the game's three touchdown drives.  However, he was hardly perfect going 3/8 for just 29 yards and a TD pass.  His best play came on a 17-yard scramble.  "It was kind of a busted play, but I saw no one there, so I thought I might as well take off," said Kessler.  Kiffin said he is no closer to naming a backup quarterback.

• Position Battles - Kiffin wants some time to watch the tape before he assesses the situation at strong safety between Demetrius Wright and Jawanza Starling and left tackle between Aundrey Walker and Max Tuerk.  Walker did have a false start which has been an issue at times during camp.
  

• Lee Apologizes - The offensive frustration came to a head when Marqise Lee pushed Ryan Dillard in the facemask after the whistle.  Lee was then benched for the rest of the game.  The walk-on cornerback had kept Lee from a sure touchdown by committing a pass interference penalty and Lee boiled over.  He took it upon himself to apologize to the entire team and coaching staff after practice. 
  

Extra point...

• More notable stats: RB Silas Redd (9 carries for 59 yards and a fumble); RB D.J. Morgan (7 carries for 31 yards and a TD); WR Robert Woods (4 catches for 67 yards); WR Nelson Agholor (3 catches for 33 yards); WR Victor Blackwell (3 catches for 39 yards and a TD); LB Jabari Ruffin (4 tackles); DT George Uko (INT) and CB Kevon Seymour (forced fumble).

Here is the head coach on his improved defense and disappointing offense...

(Photo by John McGillen)

• Only two weeks remain until the 2012 season opener and it was announced today that USC is ranked number one in the AP Poll. Coaches and players are pleased with the top-ranking and cite that it is great for USC fans and the university itself, especially after the two-year bowl ban.
  
• Head Coach Lane Kiffin believes the rankings are a positive thing for the university but it does not mean anything for the USC football program. "It doesn't mean a whole lot to us because it will always be about the way we practice," Kiffin said. "That will help us win games this year. However, I do think it's great for our fans and our university after everything we have been through."
• QB Matt Barkley was quick to add that the team should remain focused and not become too caught up in the preseason hype. "If you focus on where we are in the rankings, you get complacent, which is something we definitely do not want. We need to have a mindset like last year," Barkley said. 
• This season the USC offense intends to play two tight ends frequently. With that being said, the Trojans will need to rely on a third TE that will be a well-suited fit for the offensive scheme. Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick has had quite an influence already and has impressed Coach Kiffin with his play thus far.
  
• USC will hold its second scrimmage of Fall Camp in the Coliseum tomorrow. The scrimmage will be beneficial to the Trojan roster in putting them in a game-like scenario.
  
• Kiffin mention three particular things that he is looking for in tomorrow's scrimmage: defensive line play, defensive tackling and how the younger players have progressed since the last scrimmage and throughout camp. 
• As the defensive line has struggled with depth issues throughout Fall Camp, the scrimmage will be a good indicator in how they have adapted and how a younger defensive line will be able to step up in crucial situations.
  
• Both RBs Curtis McNeal and Silas Redd had notable performances in Saturday's practice. It has not been said on how many reps either will take in the scrimmage.
  
• Here is Kiffin...

• The coaches set the tone of intensity early during the session and the team responded with one of the best practices of fall camp, especially offensively.
• During special teams drills, John Baxter had his guys firing off the edge trying to block field goals.  CB Ryan Henderson made a great play to knock one down and pick it up for a return.
• At the end of practice, Andre Heidari had to make a 45-yard field goal and the team would get to sleep late.  He drilled it...but then RB Curtis McNeal went double or nothing.  Heidari needed to make from 50 and tonight's meetings would be cancelled.  Heidari missed left.
• Lane Kiffin joking about McNeal's gamble: "I said to Curtis, 'That's why you have no money.'"
  
• In all seriousness, the coaching staff tries to find ways to put pressure on the special teams since all the focus of camp tends to be on offense and defense.
• The final play of practice was a beauty as Cody Kessler rolled to his right and hit freshman WR Nelson Agholor in stride for a deep touchdown pass.  Kiffin said that Agholor has "hit the wall," which is typical of freshman at this stage of camp, but he still "flashes."
• TE Randall Telfer also caught a long touchdown pass.  It seems like he has been open a lot during camp.  "I needed a lot more work at my pass catching game, so that's why it seems like I've been open a lot," Telfer said his coaches put him in for the best plays.
  
• Telfer made 26 catches as a freshman.  How many can he have in this offense with Robert Woods, Marqise Lee, etc.?  "I honestly couldn't tell you.  It could be 50.  It could be 10."
• More importantly, Telfer is looking to fill the leadership void left by Rhett Ellison, who had an all-time work ethic.  "We titled him the 'machine,' and the more I can be a machine and lead by example, the better our team will be."
  
• The tight end group is deep with freshmen Junior Pomee and Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick behind Telfer and Xavier Grimble.  Pomee is "growing into his body," said Telfer, and he expects him to be a factor as a blocker, while Cope-Fitzpatrick is "excelling" at a faster rate than most freshmen.
• Aundrey Walker actually had a shoulder injury not a wrist problem during his stay on the sideline.  He is back now and ready to test it Sunday at the scrimmage.  "We just have to really push him," Kiffin said about his left tackle.  "He's got to have a great two weeks here and get ready to play."
• RT Kevin Graf did not practice today.  Walk-on Nathan Guertler stepped in with the first team at right tackle.
• Former DB Tony Burnett also worked in with the first team at linebacker with all the injuries to starters.
• Jawanza Starling and Demetrius Wright will take equal reps at strong safety in Sunday's scrimmage as the competition continues.
  
• Here is Kiffin...
  

• Good news on the injury front: LT Aundrey Walker and LB Hayes Pullard returned to practice.
• The Trojans were not in pads today, so the practice resembled more of a high speed walk-thru, so the coaches could focus on situational plays.
• Walker (pictured by John McGillen) slotted back in with the first team at left tackle, but given the less than physical nature of the practice, Kiffin was unable to assess his effectiveness.  He is happy with his mental preparation.
• Nickell Robey said that he will be handling punt returns this season, while Robert Woods and Marqise Lee will take kickoff return duties.
• After yesterday's display by Woods and Lee, Robey was asked who is the tougher cover.  He called Lee more of an athletic challenge, while Woods is the greater "technician."  Given Robey's smaller stature, he admitted Lee's leaping ability makes him tougher to handle.
  
• Robey saw that Lee did a front flip after making a catch on him yesterday, so he plans to retaliate with a back flip after his next interception.  And we all know Robey can do a back flip...
  
• The secondary was a unit without a full-time coach last year, so the addition of Marvin Sanders is expected to pay dividends.  "Coach Sanders is a great guy," Robey said.  "He has a lot of swagger.  He loves his corners to get up in the face of [receivers].  Ultimately, he will teach us the game and teach us to play smart."
• The corner spot opposite Robey has been a revolving door the last two seasons.  Isiah Wiley appeared to lock it down the second half of last year, but he has not practiced this fall to handle academic issues. 
  
• Lane Kiffin has faith in Torin Harris when healthy.  "Torin arguably was playing as well or better than Nickell at [the time he got hurt last year]. He is longer than Nickell and has an NFL type body and skills."
  
• With Pullard and Dion Bailey back in the lineup, only Lamar Dawson is missing from the starting trio, so Pullard continues to learn both Mike and Will linebacker positions.  "I feel real comfortable at [middle linebacker]," said Pullard, who played that spot in high school. 
  
• If Pullard has to start at the Mike spot, redshirt freshman Anthony Sarao will step into his vacated Will position. 
  
• The head coach is also looking forward to seeing S Gerald Bowman in full pads and live contact.  The No. 1 junior college player in the country is still a mystery to the coaching staff.  "We know so little about him on the field," said Kiffin, who wants to see him tackle.
• Here are all of Coach Kiffin's comments...

• Reserve DE DeVante Wilson is out for the season after tearing the ACL in his knee.  He missed last season rehabbing from surgery to the other knee, which he damaged the summer before arriving at Troy.  He was injured during a non-live drill yesterday.
  
• As for today's practice, the Trojans have hit the dog days of camp, according to Lane Kiffin.  The offense had the better of it again, but the defense was boosted by the return of LB Dion Bailey.  Linebackers Hayes Pullard and Lamar Dawson are still out however.
• Robert Woods provided the play of the day...maybe the play of camp to this point.  He made a ridiculous one-handed catch between two defenders on a Max Wittek deep ball.  John McGillen captured the moment.
• Woods is looking more like himself these days.  "He had a couple of those today.  Marqise [Lee] and Robert had some...highlight reel catches, so it was good to have them out here on the same day," Kiffin said.
  
• Otherwise, Soma Vainuku continues to have a great fall camp.  The fullback showed off breakaway speed during one long run.
• Freshman Max Tuerk is a real option to start the opener at left tackle.  Kiffin praised his ability, especially "in the run game," and mentioned that the offense could protect him as he develops.
• To keep from getting overconfident with all the preseason hype, Kiffin has cited the examples of the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles and Oklahoma Sooners to the team.  The Eagles "Dream Team" and Oklahoma's preseason No. 1 ranking were spoiled quickly.
  
• The head coach is still split on backup quarterbacks Max Wittek and Cody Kessler.  He has done nothing but praise both of them.
• While Kessler is working on improving the physical side of his game, Wittek has been told to "get your swagger."  "It just has to be in you," Wittek said about being a confident leader.
  
• Kessler has often been compared to Mark Sanchez.  He wears his No. 6 and shares a common moxie and charisma.  Wittek is more in the vein of Carson Palmer, a quarterback blessed with incredible arm talent, but a quiet public persona.  "I have always watched [Palmer] and I feel like the comparisons between our body type are pretty accurate," Wittek said. "I've never met him to say that our personalities are similar, but I'd like to meet him."
• Wittek packs a serious fastball, but he feels his greatest progression has come on touch throws and accuracy.
• Here is Lane Kiffin on today's practice...

• CB Nickell Robey and WR Marqise Lee returned to practice, but wore yellow no-contact jerseys.
• There were three fumbles in practice today including Silas Redd and George Farmer coughing up the pigskin. 
  
• The majority of practice was spent in a no-tackling scrimmage, which provided an opportunity for the offense to shine after the defense had dominated most of camp.  "We gave up some explosive plays over our head on defense," Lane Kiffin called it a positive and a negative.  
• Great photo by John McGillen of D.J. Morgan getting behind the defense on a wheel route, but despite the effort, the ball came loose when it hit the ground.
  
• We don't write much about Matt Barkley's play in practice since you all know what he can do in games.  However, it is worth mentioning from time to time how sharp he has become.  He hit De'Von Flournoy in a tight window for one of the deep touchdown throws to which Kiffin referred.
• Barkley also lofted a perfect swing pass to Silas Redd who took it in for a score.  "It has been great playing for a quarterback that is [that polished]," Redd said.  "I have not played a real game with them yet, but I've gotten a sense of how talented Matt is and the receivers are."
  
• Despite a fumble, Redd really shined today by picking up blocks effectively and working as a receiver out of the backfield.  He has had a smile painted on his face for his two weeks at USC.  "Life's pretty much good right now," said Redd.  He thanked Curtis McNeal for being a "big brother" and welcoming him to the Trojan Family.
  
• Kiffin screamed Max Tuerk's name in praise after one play today.  The freshman left tackle has been impressive in Aundrey Walker's stead.  "He's really committed to learning the mental aspect of the game," said senior center Khaled Holmes.  "He's got some work to do with his technique, but in terms of the mental aspect, he is pretty far ahead for a freshman."
  
• Freshman CB Devian Shelton made a great leaping play to breakup what looked like a sure touchdown pass. 
  
• While the secondary was burned on a number of deep passes, senior DB Jawanza Starling made a great read staying home on a trick play for an interception.
• Kiffin has pointed several times to "preseason game two," which is this Sunday at the Coliseum.  He is hoping to test his backups under live conditions.  "Until you've played, you haven't played," the head coach is fond of saying.
• Here's the rest of what he had to offer...

• Camp is starting to weigh on the Trojans' numbers.  While the team does not release injury specifics, the entire corps of starting linebackers and CB Nickell Robey did not practice among many others.
• Kiffin's philosophy is that injuries provide an opportunity for youth and depth to grow.  Freshman LB Scott Starr is an example of a player "turning the corner" thanks to increased reps.
• WR George Farmer has returned to health.  He was impressive in one-on-one drills using his hands to be physical at the line of scrimmage.  Kiffin explained that the expectations are high for Farmer over the next two weeks to show the coaches what he can do.
• De'Von Flournoy seems to have solidified the role vacated by Brandon Carswell as the intangibles receiver.  "My job is to go into the receivers' meetings knowing all three positions," said the experienced Flournoy.  "[Carswell] helped our team in a lot of situations because he knew what to do and he executed when his number was called."
• Freshman WR Nelson Agholor (photo by John McGillen) had a drop in practice today, which is all part of the learning process.  Kiffin compared his "preparation" to that of Robert Woods and Marqise Lee, and the veterans have taken notice too.  "[Agholor] can make plays on the ball," Flournoy said.  "He did not come in here just to be a freshman.  He came in here to win a spot."
• The head coach found himself embroiled in a coaches' poll controversy this week.  He has decided to remove himself as a voter.  "I apologize if anyone thought that I was misleading them," Kiffin said today.  "I'm always trying to do things better.  Looking back, I wouldn't have done it in the first place."
  
• Dion Bailey said it best in response to all the questions about whether or not Kiffin voted the Trojans first in the preseason, "It doesn't matter where he voted us because he can't play for us."
• TE Randall Telfer should have had the two best plays of the day.  Twice, he turned LB Jabari Ruffin inside-out and freed himself for a deep ball, but backup QB Max Wittek overshot him on both occasions.  Wittek has a cannon for an arm, but his deep ball range finder was off today.
• Here is Lane Kiffin's full response to the coaches' poll controversy and much more...

• Freshman OT Max Tuerk filled in for Aundrey Walker at left tackle today. Walker is still sidelined with a right wrist injury.
  
• During Spring ball it was discussed that Kevin Graf would battle with Walker for the LT position following Kalil's departure. Kiffin assured that Graf would remain on the right side.
  
• CB Torin Harris did not practice however, Kiffin believes that Harris will return soon.
  
• The back-up quarterback still has not been named. A decision is expected to be made next week. Kiffin did not allude to whether Wittek or Kessler being a front-runner in the competition. He did however say that he feels Wittek or Kessler would be able to play if needed and without the need to change the offense. 
• With Devon Kennard potentially being out for the 2012 season, the defensive line was one of the biggest concerns going into fall camp. However, depth does rule in their favor with many versatile players that have been able to fill in on the defensive line.
  
• The defensive line practiced extensive goal line drills today in which featured two exciting scuffles between the offense and defense. 
• Safety T.J. McDonald, who is known for his aggressive style of play, was excited about the new goal line. "It's a time you can't really help but go live because as a defense you're going to give up a yard or two if you don't," McDonald said. "We're going at it but at the end of the day, we are a team and there's no hard feelings off the field."
  
• Kiffin resonated similar sentiments as McDonald but overall was displeased with the scuffle and emphasized that it will not happen again. 
• Going into week two of fall camp, Kiffin emphasized the need for the team to remain focused upon themselves not any opponents. That task may be difficult to handle considering the season and home opener against Hawaii is just over two weeks away.
  
• Here is Kiffin...

• According to Kiffin, the sixth day of fall camp told two stories. He felt the offense shined in the morning session and the defense did well in the afternoon.
  
• Kiffin said that having ten fewer players is starting to affect the team. "Those ten that aren't there, you feel that," Kiffin said. "You feel it wear down on your guys."
• LB Hayes Pullard spent some time at middle linebacker and Kiffin is satisfied with his progress.
  
• Kiffin remarked that the offensive line still needs lots work. "The right ends are getting a lot of sacks," Kiffin said. 
• However, Kiffin said that he is comfortable with the positions of running back, quarterback, and safety. "We have a lot of work to do in regards to our back-ups being comfortable enough to play," Kiffin said. 
• WR Robert Woods did not practice during the second session. According to Kiffin, Woods is on a one-a-day schedule. "Our morning practice is more sped up and he did a lot in the first session," Kiffin said.
• Woods said that fellow WR Marqise Lee has become a leader on team. "He is playing a lot better definitely but aside from that I feel he is definitely a leader," Woods said. "He speaks up and is trying to get everyone motivated."
• Also, Woods was complimentary of kicker Andre Heidari. "He has a good leg and we just have to put him in the right field position so he can make that kick," Woods said. "We're always trying to score but if we are not able to, we have a great kicker that can get us those three points."
• As Woods is on a one-a-day schedule, the Trojan offense has relied on the talent of Marqise Lee. Lee, who is a two-sport athlete, said that he is always trying to improve. "I went out for track because I wanted to get faster," Lee said. "I am also working on my routes, alignment and one of my goals is to not drop the ball at all."
• Here is Kiffin...

• The Trojans wore full pads in today's scrimmage at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
  
• CB Torin Harris went down with a injury to his right hamstring while covering Randall Telfer. Harris was sidelined most of last season due to a shoulder injury.
  
• WR George Farmer did not participate in the scrimmage. Farmer injured his hamstring on Monday.
• LT Aundrey Walker did not practice because of an injury to his right wrist.
• TB Silas Redd had the most notable performance of the day of the running backs with a 43-yard run.
  
• The running backs fumbled four times in today's scrimmage but QB Matt Barkley (pictured on the first day of camp by Chris Sanchez) believes that the offense will gain confidence with more experience throughout the remainder of camp. "[The offense] needs a lot of work," Barkley said. "Some guys stepped up and made plays but we need to hold on to the ball. There are plays being made but they need to be made consistently."
• Lane Kiffin stated that the defense is ahead of the defense following today's scrimmage at the Coliseum. "As usual we have younger guys making a lot of mistakes but that's why we come in here," Kiffin said. "I thought the defense was ahead of the offense which is usually the case."
• Josh Shaw, who transferred from Florida, will remain at safety according to Monte Kiffin. Kiffin remarked positively on the progress of both Shaw and Gerald Bowman. "Josh Shaw is just playing safety," Kiffin said. "Shaw and Bowman are both new here. They have practiced really well this week and did some good things today."
• Here is Kiffin...
  
  

• Thursday's practice ran shorter than the previous three due to tomorrow's scrimmage scheduled for 12:30pm at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
  
• The team wore shoulder pads again today. Like yesterday, practice featured immense physicality.
• DE Morgan Breslin's performance thus far in fall camp has impressed Kiffin. According to Kiffin, Breslin has improved greatly since the spring and will be an asset to the defensive line.
  
• WR Robert Woods is continuing to regain his stride. "This is the best he has looked since last year," Kiffin said. "It is good to see him push a little more and run five or six plays in a row."
  
• LB Hayes Pullard will be learning middle linebacker in anticipation if Lamar Dawson is sidelined with an injury this season. "We are all trying to learn every position," Pullard said. "Dion [Bailey] is trying to learn my position and I am trying to learn middle linebacker. We are trying to prepare for specific offenses."  Kiffin stated that preparing Pullard now for a potential transition to middle linebacker will benefit the team later in the season.
  
• The Trojan defense is gaining confidence in its defensive scheme. "We are comfortable with the defense," said safety T.J. McDonald. "We have started to ask questions and pick apart the brains of our coaches.That's the only way you get better and that's exactly what we're doing."
• Here is Kiffin...

• The players wore shoulder pads today, which led to more physicality and intensity.  As is typical of this point in camp, the defense appeared to be a step ahead of the offense.
• However, FB Soma Vainuku caused the biggest reaction by bowling over S Gerald Bowman during a run drill.  He has been impressive in the first three days of camp.
• Nickell Robey is the best cornerback in the Pac-12, but he had his hands full with Marqise Lee today.  The sophomore wide receiver won most of their battles when the ball was in the air. 
  
• While Lee and Robert Woods own the top two receiving spots, De'Von Flournoy has become the surprise leader at the third position.  "Flournoy right now would be way ahead because of knowledge of the game," Kiffin said.
  
• George Farmer wants to compete for a wideout spot, but his body won't let him at the moment.  "It is frustrating, but I can't let myself get down.  I have to keep pushing for it," Farmer said."
  
• Nelson Agholor appeared to be exhausted mid practice, but he pushed through and continues to work on the mental side of the position.
• LT Aundrey Walker (pictured last night by Chris Sanchez) is a big focus of camp.  He is taking over for Matt Kalil, the top NFL draft pick among offensive linemen.  "He was a mentor to me and I love him for that," Walker said of filling Kalil's shoes.  "I'm not thinking about the pressure because it will just confuse me and mess with my mind.  I'm just thinking about blocking."
• Walker lost 85 pounds in the offseason and now needs to gain 10-15 pounds back, which brought a smile to the big man's face.  However, he is no longer the biggest man on the field with mountainous freshman OL Zach Banner checking in at 6'9", 335 lbs.  "He's huge," Walker said about Banner.  "He's a great kid though.  He's willing to work."
  
• Kiffin singled out Max Tuerk as the freshman offensive lineman who is the closest to breaking the rotation. 
  
• The head coach also named S Demetrius Wright the defensive MVP among the less heralded players.  "He seems to have turned the corner," Kiffin said.
• A pair of plays of the day: Dion Bailey jumped in front of a Cody Kessler pass and took it to the house for six.  On the other side, Matt Barkley floated a perfect screen pass to Curtis McNeal who traveled 55 yards down the sideline for a score.
• Here is Kiffin...

• No reported injury news other than WR George Farmer who remains banged up.  "We have seen some great flashes when he's been healthy, but unfortunately, that hasn't been that often," Lane Kiffin said about Farmer.  "It's not his fault.  He's trained very hard."
  
• The arrival of Silas Redd obscured the other big story of the summer which was Devon Kennard's injury (pictured).  Already thin on the defensive line, Ed Orgeron is trying to sort out a unit with only two veteran stalwarts, DE Wes Horton and DT George Uko.
• The first move of camp was switching sophomore J.R. Tavai to defensive end and committing to freshman Leonard Williams as a defensive tackle.  Williams drew praise from his teammates for showing great hustle tonight.
  
• "Like [Shaun] Cody, but a little bit bigger," Orgeron provided the scouting report on Williams.  "Good long leverage and gets separation." He expects Williams to tip the scales at 300 lbs. eventually.
• Orgeron is hoping to make redshirt freshman DT Christian Heyward a part of the rotation, but he was hurt most of last season and needs to see how he reacts when pads go on this week.
• Meanwhile, the starting linebackers know exactly who they are, but the backups are almost entirely freshmen.  The "veteran" of the group is redshirt freshman Anthony Sarao, who spent last year pretending to be Vontaze Burfict and Manti Te'o on scout team.
• Sarao on scout team: "That was fun last year having Matt Kalil trying to fight me because I was Vontaze, but now it is time to get focused."
  
• While he awaits his opportunity at linebacker, Sarao will captain the punt coverage team.  "No scrubs play special teams around here," he emphasized the importance of his new role.  "Starters play special teams."
• Offensively, D.J. Morgan showed off his track speed on a long cutback run.  With Redd in the rotation, Morgan's role presumably shrunk, but maybe not.  "He has handled [Redd's arrival] really well," said the head coach.  "I'm sure D.J. hears from a lot of people that he is the odd man out, but that's not the case.  It's good to see how he has responded."
• Redd, Curtis McNeal and Morgan are on the smaller side, so Soma Vainuku could see the ball in short yardage positions.  Listed at 250 lbs., "He is faster than most of our tailbacks. He is a very special athlete," Kiffin said.
  
• For a position that supposedly lacked depth, Kiffin was complimentary of RB "Buck" Allen as well.  He listed him as another example of a player making huge strides going from his first year to his second.
• Here is Kiffin's full wrap on the night...

• New year, new injury policy.  The coaches and players are going to be mum on injury specifics, so our reports will mostly consist of "in or out" unless Lane Kiffin elaborates on specific cases.
• Tonight, C Khaled Holmes, WR George Farmer, DE DeVante Wilson and DE Wes Horton were among the players to miss a portion of practice.  Kiffin explained that Horton and Wilson suffered from cramps due to dehydration.
• Also, incoming freshman WR Darreus Rogers has yet to be cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse, while CB Isiah Wiley and LB Marquis Simmons are awaiting summer school grades before practicing.
• Robert Woods participated on a limited basis as Kiffin hopes to ease him back from offseason ankle surgery.  (Photo of Woods coming up the new All-American walk from the McKay Center to practice)
  
• Silas Redd was the star of the show tonight as he got mobbed by the media hoard after his first practice at USC.  The running back, who is wearing No. 25, flashed great speed.
• "I am a Trojan now," Redd pronounced.  "This is known as 'RB-U', so I was excited to suit up."
• "I made a business decision," Redd explained coming to USC.  "Academically and athletically, I felt like this is the best place to be."
• Presumed starting running back Curtis McNeal looked awfully sharp in the opening practice as well.  "Curtis has grown up with his approach to the game and his approach to life," Kiffin complimented the senior.  "This just pushes him a little further.  We all need competition."
  
• "Those guys are competitors," Redd said about his fellow backs.  "We are coming out here and competing for that No. 1 spot.  They understand that.  I understand that.  There's no animosity."
• Click here for video of the entire Silas Redd interview!
  
• With Redd in tow, Nelson Agholor is playing wide receiver exclusively, which was always his wish, according to Kiffin.  He is a tremendous athlete who stood out from the very start of practice.  He is wearing No. 15.
  
• Defensively, J.R. Tavai is going to get the first shot at replacing injured DE Devon Kennard.  He moved over from defensive tackle leaving redshirt freshman Antwaun Woods to fill the void.
  
• Other position news: Freshman Leonard Williams is playing defensive tackle, while Charles Burks moved to fullback.
• On the field, Matt Barkley was picked off twice.  Jawanza Starling stepped in front of one and then Anthony Brown made a great play to intercept a deep ball.
• True freshman LB Jabari Ruffin made the play of the day.  In his debut practice, he showed tremendous athleticism covering FB Soma Vainuku on a wheel route and knocking a pass away.
• Here is Lane Kiffin on the first night of fall camp...