The Trojans took a break from studying hard for finals to let loose at practice on a beautiful, Saturday morning.
- Injury Report: DT Antwaun Woods strained a pec and missed practice today along with OLB Uchenna Nwosu who rolled his ankle. Head coach Steve Sarkisian does not believe either to be serious.
- Sarkisian is using the extra time before the bowl game to really let some of the younger guys compete and prove themselves. Senior captain Hayes Pullard said he's been really surprised with the young talent and compared the atmosphere of practice to Fall Camp when guys are competing for spots. "It's really been a perfect time for them to show their true colors," said the linebacker.
- USC DE Leonard Williams was disappointed with himself upon being named a Walter Camp 2nd Team All-American, but is humbled and honored to be named an ESPN.com First Team All-American - the first Trojan defensive end to earn that status twice since Marlin McKeever in 1959-60. Both Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox praised Williams' attitude saying, "He just loves football. He loves USC. He loves his teammates."
- The junior is still very conflicted about his future saying the decision to forego his senior season for the NFL draft is getting harder and harder every day. "I think about it all the time. Everyone's asking about it. It's going to be the hardest decision I will probably ever make," said Williams. He most likely won't make a decision until after the bowl game but is reaching out to USC alumni like Willie McGinest who have been in a similar position for advice. At the end of the day, he said, "as cheesy as it may be it's going to come down to how I feel in my heart."
- CB Adoree' Jackson is racking up awards after a breakout freshman season. He already was named the PAC-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and earned 24/7 Sports All-American accolades on Friday. Wilcox credited the freshman's success with his incredibly competitive nature and is impressed with the cornerback's progression since the start of the season. "He's made a lot of plays late in the season tipping the ball away and stuff," said the defensive coordinator. "Those are going to turn into interceptions. He's also by far one of the best tacklers on the team."
- On Saturday night, a new Heisman Trophy winner will be announced and Oregon QB Marcus Mariota is the clear front-runner in Sarkisian's mind. He recruited Mariota hard and also faced him a few times when he was coaching at Washington. The USC head coach had nothing but high praise for the QB crediting his demeanor, but also raving about the QB's speed saying that he was so fast that even the versatile Shaq Thompson couldn't keep up.
- Here is the head coach after Saturday's practice...
