- USC ran 120+ plays and came out of the session healthy.
- However, LB Lamar Dawson is out with a couple cracked ribs after landing on a heel the other day. He is expected to be ready for the season opener.
- While the Trojans were guilty of penalties and miscues, typical of a first scrimmage, they also made a bunch of plays on both sides of the ball. Among the highlights, freshmen Marvell Tell III and sophomore Jonathan Lockett snagged interceptions, while freshman CB Iman Marshall was singled out by head coach Steve Sarkisian for an outstanding all-around practice. The head coach also liked the pass pressure provided by freshman OLB Porter Gustin.
- Offensively, Steven Mitchell was dangerous throughout, highlighted by a long TD catch-and-run, which was called back by a penalty. JuJu Smith made a touchdown grab, and freshman RB Ronald Jones II flashed his speed on the outside. FB Soma Vainuku caught a pass for six from Cody Kessler, while Max Browne synced up with walk-on WR Christian Tober, who refuses to be ignored, on a long TD.
- Sarkisian expressed some disappointment with the quarterback play tonight. "I thought the quarterbacks were just a little off," said Sarkisian. "Our accuracy wasn't what I would prefer and I think what they would prefer. I think we can be better than we were tonight, so that's encouraging."
- The young secondary was there to take advantage as Lockett, the hero from yesterday's practice, showed up again. "I know the defense well now," said Lockett, who credited his experience last fall and playing some safety this spring for his rapid development. "Last year, I was out there thinking too much. This year, I know what I'm doing and where I'm supposed to be at the right time. I feel like I'm playing faster."
- The Trojans appear to be loaded at cornerback with Kevon Seymour and Adoree Jackson now backed up by Marshall and Lockett, but the two safety spots raise a few more questions due to lack of experience. John Plattenburg's return from a hip injury provided a major boost for the unit. "I'm feeling pretty good, about 90%," said Plattenburg. "Physically ready or not, I know I have to get in there, get back to the click clack. I love being physical."
- While Sarkisian praised Leon McQuay, he also noted that freshman Marvell Tell III is "banging on the door to play." Plattenburg succinctly scouted the new No. 7, "Kid's good. Long dude, tall. Watch out for him."
- Add in "old reliable" Matt Lopes, corner-turned-safety Chris Hawkins and another talented freshman Ykili Ross, and the head coach likes where this position group is headed. "We have a little bit more depth there than maybe we get credit for," said Sarkisian about the safeties. "We are youthful back there, but I thought those guys tackled pretty well tonight and that's important for us."
- Without any experienced voices, Plattenburg has taken over a leadership role. "The trace of a leader just comes naturally," said Plattenburg, who is always trying to "motivate" and "keep a smile on people's face."
- Since the sanctions hit, practices like tonight, featuring 120+ plays of tackling, were non-existent. But as the head coach said, the Trojans will benefit from actually practicing football by bringing people to the ground. "We want to be the most physical team in America," said Plattenburg.
- Here is Sarkisian's press conference:
University Southern California Trojans
2015 Fall Camp #11: Notes
August 01, 2015 | USC Ripsit Blog
2015 Fall Camp #11: Notes
The Trojans tackled live throughout practice in the first scrimmage of Fall Camp.
Sunday, September 20
Saturday, September 19
Saturday, September 19
Saturday, September 19
