Thoughts from Wednesday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt staff writer Pedro Moura:
- Continuing with a week-long trend, Turnover Wednesday was a fiercely fought battle, with the defense winning 9-4 after forcing a Joe McKnight fumble on the last play of the half-pads scrimmage. Coach Carroll raved about the play of both sides after practice. "These were three days that we really like here," Carroll said. "Really hard-working, competitive days."
- Wideout Ronald Johnson made a toes-to-the-line catch on a deep ball from Matt Barkley along the sideline early in team play, impressing coaches and those in attendance.
- Tailbacks Joe McKnight and Allen Bradford both practiced Wednesday after missing time with injuries early in the week, while receiver Damian Williams (glute) practiced some. "It's good to see Joe and Bradford got back out today, and Damian got work today also," Carroll said. "Those guys are coming back to full speed."
- Tight end Anthony McCoy (ankle) again sat out of practice. Carroll said it would be "really hard" for him to suit up against Arizona State.
- Linebacker Malcolm Smith (shoulder) made a surprise return to practice, doing light work on the sidelines. Carroll said he has a shot to play against the Sun Devils.
- Defensive ends Nick Perry (shoulder) and Everson Griffen (toe) are both still questionable for Saturday, but linebacker Jarvis Jones (neck) is out.
- Tight ends coach Brennan Carroll's wife Amber and son Dillon watched from the sidelines at Howard Jones. Coach Carroll joked after practice that Dillon "thankfully" bore no resemblance to his grandfather.
- Former Trojan Carl I. Benson visited practice Wednesday. Benson, now 91, was an offensive lineman on the Rose Bowl-winning teams of 1939 and 1940. He now lives in Redondo Beach, "just down the block" from his former quarterback, Trojan great Amby Schindler.
- By Pedro Moura, USCRipsIt staff writer
University Southern California Trojans
Wednesday, July 22
Wednesday, July 22
Wednesday, July 22
Wednesday, July 22
