Click here for the Rapid Reaction with John Plattenburg and Leon McQuay!
- It was a scorcher in the Southland today, giving the Trojans a chance to battle the elements and test their fitness levels.
- The secondary was the hottest topic of conversation as the coaches continue to challenge young corners Chris Hawkins and Jonathan Lockett at safety. Head coach Steve Sarkisian would like to be more aggressive defensively this season, and this move could help. "We really have to rely on our safeties to cover, so we can play more man-to-man coverage," he said. "That's why we are experimenting with some of the guys on our current roster at that position."
- Having to face so many spread offenses with four wide receiver formations, the coaching staff wants versatile defensive backs, and Sarkisian made that a priority in recruiting, using Marvell Tell and Ykili Ross as examples.
- Defensive backs coach Keith Heyward explained that the cornerbacks have to understand the game schematically better at safety, which will be another added benefit no matter where they line up. "This is about developing skills, the more you can do, whether it's at corner, safety, or nickel, the better. You want to get guys exposed to playing that position and developing skills for whatever position it is," said Heyward. "I think that it is going to make their game better because it will help them with their football IQ and their knowledge."
- As for returning safeties, John Plattenburg appears to be a rising star in this program. "He is smart, and he cares, and it matters to him," said Heyward about the sophomore. "When he makes a mistake, he learns from it really quick. And he is pretty physical. He is a nasty little dude."
- Senior CB Kevon Seymour is the elder statesman in the defensive back room, but he is developing his game just like everyone else. In his case, the coaches want him to be more physical and aggressive, and he has responded this spring so far.
- The secondary was tested by one of its own as Adoree' Jackson played wide receiver and made another remarkable catch, which Sarkisian said is "becoming commonplace." The head coach explained that Jackson is "used to being in the air," so he knows how to contort and control his body to make tough grabs.
- Leonard Williams was the central focus of USC Pro Day, and the Trojans know replacing the likely Top 5 pick will be difficult. Sarkisian emphasized that they will have to do it as a team, including seniors Delvon Simmons and Claude Pelon. "We need them to be really good players if we want to be the type of defense that we think we can be," Sarkisian said. "We need them to be really physical [and] to play disciplined. I think we've seen flashes of that from each of them, [but] what we're looking for here for the remainder of spring is that consistency."
- Here is Sarkisian's post-practice press conference...
