University Southern California Trojans
Spring Football Gets Underway
June 21, 1999 | Football
LOS ANGELES - Paul Hackett's first practice as the new Head Coach at USC was well-received by the players. "Intense", said running back Mal MacKenzie. "Exciting", added All-America cornerback Daylon McCutcheon.
Intense is a good word for the full-speed offense versus defense drills...without pads.
Exciting is a fair label for Hackett, who spread his brand of high-energy all over Howard Jones field during a three-hour session on a sunny, yet icy and windy day.
Some changes under the former Trojan assistant coach are apparent. QBs John Fox and Mike Van Raaphorst changed uniform numbers. Fox is now 16 and Van Raaphoorst 11.
Other changes will be difficult to catch because of a big change in practice policy. Opening day and all 15 spring sessions are closed to the public. Media access is limited.
With the new coaching staff, Hackett says there is new opportunity for players. "We've said this is a new era, new time at SC."
That means Fox, Van Raaphorst and Quicy Woods worked with the first team offensive line, while highly regarded QB recruits Carson Palmer and Jason Thomas stood close enough to the huddles to listen and learn. "Everybody's going to get a fair shake," Hackett emphasized. "Everbody's getting even reps."
That's also true at tailback. Sophomore Mal MacKenzie shared snaps with Junior College All-America Jabari Jackson, who red-shirted last year, and Petros Papadakis. "We've got a decision to make," Hackett said. " And I'm not opposd to playing two back there."
Otherwise, some things never change at an SC footbal practice. On offense, receiver R. Jay Soward can put on a show. On defense, McCutcheon's speed and technique are tremendous. Chris Claiborne and Mark Cusano look like stud linebackers, even without pads on.
The opening day of spring drills saw safety Grant Pearsall back in uniform. The hard-hitting senior sat out all of last season because of a knee injury. Pearsall is joined at strong safety by former starting LB David Gibson. That move creates an opprotunity for sophomore Zeke Moreno, who could one of the stars of spring.
Overall, the team and coach are adpating. And the process, Hackett says, takes time. "That's a whole year process. And until the heat of the battle this fall, we really won't know how we'll adapt."
The season opener is Sunday, August 30 against Purdue University in the Pigskin Classic at the Coliseum.
