The Trojans' first spring practice of 2015 is in the books and it was a spirited showing for the team that was happy to get back on the field...
- "It was really fun to watch the competition, to watch our guys battle one another and make each other better," head coach Steve Sarkisian said after Tuesday's practice. "We don't play a football game for six months. The key for us is to focus on today. How we are getting better individually and as a team, physically, mentally and emotionally. We can't worry about the stuff that's down the road."
- The major focuses for the spring include replacing the holes left by NFL departures and graduating seniors along with an emphasis on finishing games. Sarkisian said he and his coaching staff looked at the close games that the Trojans lost in 2014 and are dedicated to fixing that through specific drills in spring practice. "The defense won the finish challenge today. They took the first three of five," Sarkisian said. "We want to work to be at our best at the end of practice, at those most critical moments. We will continue to run drills that simulate the final two minutes of the game."
- Sarkisian continues to be impressed with Cody Kessler who has raised the bar for himself and his team heading into the upcoming season. "From putting this offense in a year ago to where we are today, I don't know if I could be more pleased with Cody," added Sarkisian. "He's really operating at a high level. There is a chip on his shoulder, he's really hungry and he wants to get better. It rubs off on his teammates and that's exactly what you want from a fifth-year quarterback."
- The senior quarterback is looking to build upon the momentum from a fantastic junior season and has already honed in on elements of his game that need improvement, including accuracy and timing. "I'm focused on getting the ball off faster, putting the ball where it needs to be even before my receivers are there," explained Kessler. "That is going to come with time but it's something I'm working on this spring."
- Though his name is already being mentioned in preseason Heisman conversations amongst the nation's most elite quarterbacks, Kessler's focus remains on the postseason goals he has for his team rather than himself. "Talking with Marcus [Mariota], he said last year that he'd trade his Heisman trophy for a national championship any day. That's a mentality that you have to have. If you don't put your team goals first, you're never going to be successful."
- Tuesday was the first chance for USC's early entrant players to officially practice with the team, and Sarkisian was happy with the result. These players include OT-OG Roy Hemsley, OT Chuma Edoga, QB Ricky Town, WR Isaac Whitney and LB Cameron Smith. "They got into the flow of practice which is all you can really ask of them at this point," the head coach said. "They flashed in some areas and then they had their moments where they didn't make a play as well as they would have liked. All in all, the first college practice for those guys was about as good as you can get."
- New USC offensive line coach Bob Connelly had his first official practice as a Trojan as well. Sarkisian said he is impressed with the coach and the way senior center Max Tuerk (on his fourth offensive line coach in four years) is helping his teammates with the transition. "I'm excited about our offensive line," Sarkisian said. "The depth that we have there is as good as any I've seen here or anywhere I've been in a long time. That group is going to be good. I don't think just next year, but they're going to be good here for awhile."
- Sarkisian was also encouraged by the state of many players who are back after injured 2014 seasons. Some of these players include OT Jordan Austin, DT Kenny Bigelow, LB Lamar Dawson, LB Jabari Ruffin, and RB Tre Madden.
- Dawson was one of the players that really stood out in the first spring practice, which Sarkisian credited to a successful offseason conditioning program. "Lamar seemed like a different player to me than what I'd seen all of last year," explained Sarksiain. "He's very confident and he's moving very suddenly. He came out today and looked great. I was very encouraged by that."
- With the departure of Buck Allen, the majority of carries this fall will presumably be split between junior RB Justin Davis and redshirt senior RB Tre Madden, who is still working back from a toe injury suffered last fall. Madden impressed the coaches on Tuesday with his strength and dedication to be back in his best form. "What I forgot about Tre is how big and physical he is," Sarkisian said. "He and Justin complement each other really well. Justin has great speed and cutting ability and Tre has such a hammer mentality along with a great football IQ and an ability to catch the ball. For his first day back he looked pretty good to me."
- Sophomore TE Bryce Dixon was not at the Trojans' first practice due to a student conduct issue.
- Here is Sarkisian after Tuesday's practice...
