- The starting quarterback competition is officially a two-horse race between Max Wittek and Cody Kessler, Lane Kiffin announced today. "There is a difference from those two and [Max Browne] of being able to [handle] the speed of the game right now," said Kiffin.
- Kiffin said Max Browne took the news like "a professional," and the head coach expects the true freshman to continue to push the veterans. "He's got to be ready to play, and he'll prepare like that," he said.
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On the field, both Wittek and Kessler protected the ball well today. They also benefited from a huge performance by freshman WR Darreus Rogers who is having a breakout Fall Camp. He has incredibly strong hands that vacuum in every pass in his direction. He is a physical target and thrives in the red zone as highlighted by a jump ball TD catch today (pictured). - The USC fullbacks struggled with drops last season, but Jahleel Pinner has been sure-handed throughout Fall Camp. Kessler hit Pinner for six on the classic wheel route play which used to be a staple of the Trojan offense. "[Pinner] made a bunch of plays today," said Kiffin. "For the most part, [he] is our only fullback...with Soma [Vainuku] unavailable. He's really coming along and much improved."
- Chad Wheeler stayed at starting left tackle today despite the return of Aundrey Walker who worked mostly at right guard. Kiffin explained that Walker's move is not necessarily permanent, but Wheeler has made an impression on the coaching staff.
- On the defensive side of the ball, the coaches are thrilled to have Devon Kennard back after the redshirt senior missed last season due to a torn pec. While he would have loved to contribute last year, Kennard finally gets to play in a 5-2 system that caters best to his physical talents. "I definitely feel like it was a blessing in many different ways," said Kennard about the injury. "It's very exciting to be playing in a position I feel comfortable in, but at the same time challenges me athletically."
- Kennard is mature beyond his years, so he is an invaluable resource for younger players like Leonard Williams, who looks up to him as a leader. "That's on all of us," said Kennard about leadership. "We challenge each other, and we hold each other accountable every day."
- The USC defense lost its swagger last season, but the 2013 front seven is not lacking in confidence. "I feel like it's back, but it has to stay back," said Kennard who credits the new defense for the change in attitude. "It's a lot of fun. It puts everybody on our defense in a position to make plays, which is why there is a new excitement on the defensive side of the ball everyday when we are out here."
- Behind starters Kennard and Morgan Breslin, youngsters Jabari Ruffin and Quinton Powell are impressive athletes with physiques that fit a 3-4 scheme. "They are going to be great players," said Kennard about Ruffin and Powell. "The team speed we have with guys like that on our defense is improving every year."
- Here is the full Kiffin presser with some strong answers on Marqise Lee...
