The Trojans endured the heat and were rewarded with snow cones after Saturday's practice...
- According to sophomore CB/WR Adoree' Jackson, practicing in the heat entering two-a-days hasn't been too much of a challenge. "It felt good to me. Some people were complaining, but me and Leon (McQuay) and some of the other guys from Florida know that this isn't that hot. We've practiced in 115 degrees with humidity so this is a good day for us."
- Now in his second year at USC, Jackson is experiencing role reversal as he embraces more of a leadership role with many of the defensive freshmen. Whether it's helping with the playbook or teaching specifics out on the field, the sophomore is eager to help. "When I came in, the older guys - Josh Shaw, Gerald Bowman, Kevon Seymour, Su'a Cravens - they were helping me, so I just want to return the favor."
- After a stellar freshman debut, the explosive play-maker has specific goals for himself as he raises the bar for the 2015 season. "For me it's focusing on being a smarter player, a technician," Jackson explained. "Taking some of those plays that were just good last year and turning them into great."
- One defensive goal that stands out particularly for Jackson, is snagging his first interception, a feat he came close to often in 2014. "It's one of those things that I want to work on, getting those plays and turning them into interceptions," said the sophomore. "That's why we're out here practicing, so that when it comes to the game it's second nature." Jackson said he doesn't have a specific number of interceptions in mind for the fall, but did say he'd like to start with a couple and work from there.
- Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox has been impressed with the young phenom's growth in the last year but believes that Jackson can be even better. "Adoree' is a sharp guy. He does a lot for our football team. He's very talented and I think the more he works at the details of each position that he plays, the better and better he's going to get."
- With the first full week of Fall Camp officially in the books, Wilcox is focused on setting the bar high as the Trojans approach the season. "We've got a lot of work to do. We've had some good practices and we've had some that frankly weren't good enough. I'm excited about a lot more guys getting reps, we're substituting more which is great, but we have to be consistent every day in what we do."
- Part of that consistency focuses on a similar theme that drives the team both offensively and defensively entering the upcoming season. "Finishing is everything you do. It's the only way you can operate," explained Wilcox. "Whether it's a workout, a meeting, an individual drill, a team drill, a practice, a week, a game or a season, it's everything. It's a really simple concept, but it's extremely difficult to do day in and day out. The great ones do it every day."
- Sophomore safety John Plattenburg, who has spent the week gradually recovering from a hip pointer sustained in Sunday's practice, already feels 90 percent healthy and is encouraged by the progress of the team through one week. "We're on the right path. We're working every day and I think if we keep this pace up, we're going to have an incredible season."
- Senior CB Kevon Seymour banged his knee in practice today during one-on-one drills, but per head coach Steve Sarkisian, it is nothing serious.
- Sarkisian surprised his team with a snow cone truck after practice, much to the delight of the hard-working group. Check out the video below to hear how the Trojans felt about their refreshing reward.
- The head coach had the day off from speaking to the media today. Tomorrow, the crowd favorite post-practice presser videos will return.
