- USC is actually getting healthier as RB Justin Davis and OG Viane Talamaivao are recovering well from their hamstring injuries. LB Quinton Powell has missed the last few practices with a concussion.
- The University released a statement on Bryce Dixon last night, and head coach Steve Sarkisian stood in support of it today, adding nothing else.
- The Trojans are weighing their options at tight end with newbies like Tyler Petite and Taylor McNamara, but the most knowledgeable candidate is Columbia transfer Connor Spears. "Coming out to the first spring practice, I thought I was going to be running with the threes, so it was a wake-up call to say the least," Spears said about running with the first team all spring. "I've been able to get it in my mind that this is going to be real, so now I'm just trying to get ready for these games. In the spring, I was able to make strides towards doing that. Now in the fall, I'm putting it all together."
- After spending the first few Fall Camp practices installing Sarkisian's system, the coaches focused on running the team through different, special situations like red zone drills and short yardage scenarios on Friday, which meant serious attention devoted to the offensive line. "Today was kind of our day so we knew that we had to step up," said OL Damien Mama. "We're just getting different looks for each guy and having everyone get a little experience out there."
- The offensive line is full of talent and depth, which is allowing new OL coach Bob Connelly to rotate about seven to eight guys in the starting unit. "We are fortunate that we've got some quality offensive line depth that maybe we haven't had around here," said Sarkisian. "What's cool for us is that we're going to be able to sub guys. If we really want to run the amount of plays we want to run, then we're not going to have to take a step back when we sub in."
- One of the reasons USC will be able to use this rotation at the line is due to the versatility of sophomore Toa Lobendahn. "He's a stud. The kid is a gifted, gifted, gifted football player. He has the ability to play any of the five positions, and that's great for him and great for us," praised Connelly. "He's going to allow me to keep the best five guys on the field and fill in the pieces of the puzzle to make sure the right combination is there."
- Not only is he versatile, but Lobendahn is also known for his determined work ethic on and off the field. "He's the toughest, hardest worker on the football team coming out of summer workouts so that's music to my ears," said Connelly about his unit. "The game's important to him."
- Though the offensive line got its fair share of work on Friday, there's still a lot to be done to get the unit flowing as it should come week one. Sarkisian mentioned that the line really needs to focus on improving pad level and blitz pick-up if it's going to protect QB Cody Kessler and establish the run game effectively. "Our defense when they're pressuring us right now are getting home on the offense, so we have to sure that up but that's what training camp is for," said the head coach.
- Here's Sarkisian after the first of two practices on Friday...
University Southern California Trojans
2015 Fall Camp #6: Notes
August 01, 2015 | USC Ripsit Blog
2015 Fall Camp #6: Notes
The Trojans are in the middle of their first two-a-day of Fall Camp, but the practice tonight is closed, so it's one-a-day on blog notes.
Saturday, August 01
Wednesday, July 29
Tuesday, July 28
Tuesday, July 28
