Click here for the Rapid Reaction with QB coach Clay Helton, QB Max Browne and TE Connor Spears.
- This was not an official scrimmage, but there was some live tackling, culminating in a short yardage challenge, which the defense won 3-2.
- The defense also forced a handful of turnovers, including an interception by freshman LB Cameron Smith who has made an immediate impression on the coaching staff. "First of all, he's a physical guy. He's exactly what we were looking for," head coach Steve Sarkisian said about the rugged freshman. "All in all, Cam's had a good first two weeks. It has not been too big for him at all."
- CB Lamont Simmons, who redshirted his first season, also made an impressive interception. "Lamont is a guy who is a really cool fit if you want to play a lot of man-to-man because he's got length [and] speed," said Sarkisian, who wants the youngster to be more confident and assertive.
- Offensively, WR Steven Mitchell is starting to show off the game-breaking speed that made him such a talented player in high school before injuring his knee. "I'm definitely feeling good," said Mitchell, who is confident in his knee again. "I've always been explosive. My quickness, my shiftiness is the main part of my game. I just have to be more physical when the ball is not coming towards me."
- The Trojans are desperately thin at tight end at the moment, prompting not one, but two media questions about walk-on Connor Spears. Sarkisian called him "a good system fit" and likes his "long levers" for blocking purposes.
- While the defense was praised for forcing turnovers, the flip side is that the offense gave the ball away too easily, but Sarkisian noted that it is "tough to grade your team" when they only play each other.
- The Trojans now have a week off for spring break, which gives the coaches time to assess their progress, and the players time to heal up. WR Ajene Harris is dealing with a hamstring injury.
- Here is Sarkisian's post-practice press conference...
