Reader Allen Powell e-mailed in with a question about when the Trojans will be in pads during Fall Camp 2009.
The answer isn't as straightforward as the question, unfortunately. The first four practices of camp -- the first two in just helmets and the next two in half pads -- are the only days set-in-stone when it comes to attire, thanks to the NCAA-mandated "acclimatization period." After that, it's all a crapshoot, as coaches like to have flexibility for hot days, long days or, well, just because.
The fifth practice of camp, set for Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 3 p.m., is all but guaranteed to be in full pads, as it's the first allowable day to don all the gear. For the remaining 14 practices in camp, most of the workouts will be in full pads, some in half pads and only the morning half of a two-a-day slated to be in helmets only.
So if you come out to a practice during Fall Camp, you're most likely going to see the players hitting hard -- because even if they're only in half pads, that's full speed and basically full contact in the world of Trojan football.
And for those uninitiated with the USC football glossary of attire terms, here's a quick glance at the different ways the players will dress out for a practice:
- Full pads: Helmets, shoulder pads and football padded pants (full contact and cut blocking)
- Half pads: Helmets and shoulder pads, with players wearing shorts instead of pants (the level of contact remains essentially the same, though)
- Helmets: Only helmets, with players wearing unpadded jerseys and shorts (emphasis turns from contact to speed during these workouts)
University Southern California Trojans
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