- The defense won the "finish challenge," the best of five series at the end of every practice, thanks to the pass rush, which showed up in the form of back-to-back sacks for Greg Townsend and Scott Felix. "That's what should happen," said head coach Steve Sarkisian. "We should be able to force teams into a 3rd and long and then we need to rush the passer. It's an area that I think we really need to improve upon from last year."
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The key for the defense was pushing through the fatigue that set in yesterday. "It's the second day in pads, and I think everyone's getting used to the soreness," said senior LB Lamar Dawson. "Mentally, we just got to overcome our internal battles and just keep practicing hard." - The offense made its plays tonight though, including another outstanding practice from RB Tre Madden. Sarkisian loves the way his skill set fits the offensive system, and he is finally 100% healthy.
- QB Cody Kessler connected with JuJu Smith-Schuster on a deep ball during the "finish challenge" as he continues his day-in day-out battle with CB Kevon Seymour. Smith-Schuster's energy level is a marvel even to his teammates. "It's hard to keep him off the field anyways, but he could run 30 plays, come on the field right after a touchdown and go right in on kickoff," said FB Soma Vainuku. "We were talking about it today. He's got this crazy stamina."
- The Trojans did a lot of special teams work, and it sounds like Adoree' Jackson will carry the load in the return game this season. Head coach Steve Sarkisian said that he plans to use the electrifying three-way talent as his primary punt and kick returner.
- The tight end position is a wide open competition with almost zero returning experience in the room. Highly-touted freshman Tyler Petite and Oklahoma transfer Taylor McNamara (pictured) both worked with the first team today, while walk-on Connor Spears was number one in the spring.
- TE coach Marques Tuiasosopo on Petite: "His ability to keep coming back, and it hasn't been perfect, and he's made some pretty good catches. He's made some pretty big plays. He's just putting his head down and chugging forward."
- Tuiasosopo had the luxury of a wise, old veteran like Randall Telfer in his room last year, but McNamara, the graduate transfer with one career catch, is the only tight end with any seasoning. While he is getting up to speed on the terminology, Spears is the closest thing to an expert on the offense. "All the young guys, the new guys, are looking at Connor Spears," Tuiasosopo said. "He's doing a good job of teaching."
- While all the outside questions are about catching passes, tight ends are asked to block as much, if not more, as run routes. "That is a learned trait. Very rarely do you have a young man who can come in and do that right off the bat," Tuiasosopo said about blocking. "I am hopeful by the end of camp that they'll be ready to roll."
- Cyrus Hobbi, who came out of retirement to play this season, should be the tight end most familiar with blocking given his past as an offensive lineman. He has opened eyes early with his mind more than anything, chalking up the fewest missed assignments in the group, according to Tuiasosopo.
- The full pads practice is open Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m., so come on down to Howard Jones and Brian Kennedy Fields to watch. Here is head coach Steve Sarkisian:
University Southern California Trojans
2015 Fall Camp #4: Notes
August 01, 2015 | USC Ripsit Blog
2015 Fall Camp #4: Notes
The Trojans were much sharper tonight, and they are primed to put full pads on for the first time this Fall Camp on Wednesday.
Wednesday, July 22
Wednesday, July 22
Wednesday, July 22
Wednesday, July 22
