Thoughts from Thursday morning's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- In the first workout of the day's twin-bill, the defense capitalized on a sloppy offensive output -- snagging three interceptions and recovering two fumbles -- en route to an overwhelming performance, including a 12-10 victory in the final team period. Defensive backs Josh Pinkard, a sixth-year senior, and Byron Moore, a freshman, recorded an interception apiece during 7-on-7 drills, opening the turnover floodgates. It was the first time all camp the defense posted more than one takeaway in a practice. "The defense finally started getting the ball and making plays," Carroll said.
- Well, first time for everything in this workout. Matt Barkley threw his first interceptions of Fall Camp, tossing three picks during the shorter morning practice. But he showed maturity and composure by bouncing back from each turnover with several shimmering plays. On the very next play following his initial interception in 7-on-7 period, Barkley rolled out to the right and, upon not finding an open receiving, tucked the ball and scampered four yards for the score. "That's a good decision, Q!" Coach Carroll exclaimed. Then, a few plays later, he completed 14-, 9- and 4-yard touchdowns on consecutive snaps, which had the coaches raving. Finally, at the end of practice during team drills, the freshman lobbed a perfect 45-yard strike to wideout Damian Williams for a touchdown deep over the middle.
- During team period, freshman linebacker Jarvis Jones had the third interception of the day off a pass that went through the receiver's hands.
- Kicker Joe Houston drilled a 40-yard field goal as the clock expired during a simulated two-minute drill.
- It was the first morning practice of the fall for the Trojans, but quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates put it in perspective. "I know it's early men, but it's already 12 o'clock on the East Coast!" he told his players while running around at the start of the workout.
- Scouts from the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins attended the practice.
University Southern California Trojans
Wednesday, July 08
Wednesday, July 08
Wednesday, July 08
Monday, July 06
