The Trojans had what head coach Steve Sarkisian called a "spirited" practice on the Monday of their modified work week. Just three days to go until USC hosts Washington on Thursday night...
- DL Claude Pelon was carted off the field during practice for what Sarkisian believes is an ankle sprain. Freshman LB John Houston Jr. was held out with a sore back. According to the head coach, CB Kevon Seymour will most likely play on Saturday, while he is still unsure about WR Darreus Rogers.
- On Thursday, the Trojans will play the Huskies for the first time since 2012. It will also be Sarkisian's first time playing his former team, something the head coach says changes nothing about the way USC is preparing this week. "We're going to run our stuff every week just like any other week. We have wrinkles that we like to do and we try to game plan our opponent. They're going to do the same," Sarkisian explained. "There's a lot of similarities between the two teams when it comes to schematics. But at the end of the day, it's about execution."
- Sophomore CB/WR Adoree' Jackson echoed his coach's sentiment, adding that personal ties to any team doesn't alter the fact that the Trojans' matchup each week is against a faceless opponent. "Just like every game, it's just us versus that team. At the end of the day, no emotions attached, we've still got to play ball."
- While Jackson is garnering much-warranted attention yet again this season, he's been impressed with a particular teammate who's following in his footsteps as a true freshman starter in the USC secondary. Through four games, Jackson said Iman Marshall's growth and competitive spirit have stood out. "It's not hard at all," Jackson said on starting games as a true freshman. "It's probably the best feeling in the world. You're eager and you want to do good for the team."
- Sarkisian has also been impressed with the athletic Marshall, who stays after practice nearly every day to get in extra position work. "It's the sign of a guy who wants to be great," Sarkisian said. "He's not satisfied with where he's at yet. He's a heck of a player for a true freshman, but he wants to be special, he wants to be great and he works at his craft."
- Another positive for the defense this season has been redshirt sophomore Chris Hawkins who has "really embraced" the move from corner to safety this season, according to Sarkisian. "I think he's doing well. Obviously he's got a knack for the football, he's creating turnovers for us. He's got a really high football IQ which has given him a nice transition. He's showing physicality, which is important, and he's able to cover from the safety position which is important."
- With the exception of junior playmaker Su'a Cravens, the heavy, in-game rotation of players at the linebacker position is going exactly how the coaching staff planned, according to the head coach. Sarkisian said he's happy with the intensity the unit is showing and the minimal injuries the Trojans have seen on that front. "I think guys aren't saving themselves. I think they know, 'I got four plays. I'm going to give it what I've got knowing that I have a chance to get a rest. The guys know there's nothing to save themselves for."
- Here's the head coach after Monday's practice with more on the matchup against Washington...
