This afternoon on Howard Jones Field, the Trojan coaching staff worked with the players for the first time since being hired nearly two months ago, leading the players through a high-intensity 45-minute conditioning session. The workout, the first of six such sessions permitted by the NCAA leading up to Spring Practice, focused solely on agility and conditioning drills, as footballs and football-specific work are not allowed.
Players cycled through eight action-packed exercises before competing in two offense-vs.-defense sprint relay races that circled the field, both of which were won by the defense.
By the end of the workout on a cool afternoon, coaches were hoarse from yelling and players were drenched in sweat. As Kiffin closed the session with a brief speech emphasizing the importance of "shifting our focus to the team," at least one thing was certain -- the contagious energy generated during the brief session sets a tone that bodes quite well for the 2010 Trojans.
Check out some photos from the workout:
Quarterback Mitch Mustain (right) reaches out to catch Matt Barkley during figure-8 agility drills.
Kicker Joe Houston (left) and quarterback John Manoogian (right) somersault past assistant coach Ed Orgeron.
With head strength and conditioning coach Aaron Ausmus looking on, defensive linemen Jurrell Casey (left) and Armond Armstead go through abdominal exercises.
Coach Lane Kiffin watches on as defensive back Daniel Harper shuffles through agility bags.
Assistant coach Ed Orgeron gets down to encourage players through barrel rolls.
Players somersault as assistant coach Ed Orgeron watches on.
With assistant coach James Cregg yelling them on, offensive tackles Matt Kalil (left) and Tyron Smith (right) sprint through a figure-8 drill.
Defensive backs Boomer Roepke (left) and Shareece Wright (right) go through three-cone agility drills with assistant coach John Morton watching on.
The Trojans conduct a 45-minute conditioning workout on Tuesday afternoon on Howard Jones Field.
Coach Lane Kiffin speaks to the players following the workout.
