USC football is officially back in action as the Trojans took the field for the first time in 2016 with some new and some familiar faces to kick off spring ball...
- "Spring ball is one of my favorite times of the year because you focus on the technique and fundamentals of the game - things that are going to win championships," said head coach Clay Helton. "I could hardly sleep last night with excitement to get back out with the team and be a part of this."
- Tuesday marked Helton's first spring practice as head coach along with his new coaching staff. He continually emphasized the new coaching staff's toughness and ability to coach players extremely hard. Toughness is just one of the coaching staff's "four T's" for spring practice. The staff's message is focused on the team's Technique - the fundamentals of the game, Toughness - the art of discipline of doing things right, Togetherness - a brotherhood, and Trust - trusting the process.
- The number one story line heading into the Trojans' spring practices is the quarterback competition between redshirt junior Max Browne and redshirt freshman Sam Darnold. Both impressed on the first day with some outstanding deep balls, including a roughly 40-yard touchdown to WR JuJu Smith-Schuster from Browne. "It was neat to see a third-year vet come out there and really look smooth and act like a third-year vet in Max Browne," said Helton. "And then to have three really talented young guys right behind him, it makes you feel good as a coach. It helps you sleep at night to have that position really solidified with a lot of talent."
- Browne understands his role as a three-year vet including how the experience gives him the slight edge in the position battle. "I'm older, I've been here longer, have more reps, so I'm taking the mindset that it's my job to lose but obviously at the end of the day, it's the coaches' decision," said the quarterback. "I'm one of the older guys here. I may not have the on-field experience as some guys but I've been through the ropes as far as offseasons and spring balls and all that. I've earned my stripes a little bit. I'm a leader and need to take that approach."
- Darnold stressed that in the eyes of the coaches it is still very much an even playing field. Though he understands his lack of experience, he isn't phased at the idea of stepping into the role as USC's starting quarterback against the Alabama Crimson Tide. "I like to think of myself as a leader by example mostly, but if guys need me to lead vocally or step up that way I can," said Darnold. "If there needs to be a little more juice around practice, more energy, I definitely think of myself as a guy that can do that."
- Helton emphasized that the coaching staff is looking to name a starter by the end of spring if there's a clear gap, but if there's still progress to be made, then they'll decide whether or not to continue it through Fall Camp.
- All eyes were on the quarterbacks, but Helton declared the wide receiver corps as the position group that stood out the most in the first practice, including early enrollees Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Imatorbhebhe, who looked like two-year veterans on their first day according to the head coach.
- "It's different because you have Max Browne who has a cannon, Sam Darnold who has accuracy and Jalen Greene who has the speed and throws with his left hand," said JuJu Smith-Schuster. "Trying to catch from different quarterbacks is kind of hard so I'm glad we're doing it at the beginning of spring so I can get used to it."
- This depth at wide out as well as in the running back corps allows the Trojans to have an extremely well-balanced offensive attack, something that Smith-Schuster recognizes. "For me, in order for our team to progress and move forward to the next level, I think I might have to step back a little and let the other guys play more."
- The first practice of 2016 brought a handful of Trojan football alumni out to Howard Jones to scope out this year's talented squad. The notable alumni list including recent players like Su'a Cravens, Soma Vainuku, Randall Telfer, Hayes Pullard and George Uko as well as Trojan legends like John Robinson, Marc Raab, Chris Hale and Tom Malone.
- After missing the Holiday Bowl to end last season, OL Chad Wheeler returned to the team after dealing with personal issues. "I had a personal situation and I regret my actions. I have apologized to my team and coaches and I apologize to our fans," said Wheeler. "I have dealt with my issue and I look forward to the season."
- A quick injury update to start spring ball - Cameron Smith, Toa Lobendahn, Khaliel Rogers and Chris Hawkins are all still rehabbing surgeries so their performances will be limited as they continue to heal. LB Osa Masina tweaked a hamstring and will most like miss the rest of the week. Strept throat has been traveling around the team with Taylor McNamara and Quinton Powell missing practice as they try to rest up for Thursday. Leon McQuay III won't be participating in spring practice because he has a class he needs to take to graduate but will work out separately with the coaching staff. Finally, Don Hill was absent for a violation of team rules and Scott Felix remains ineligible due to personal issues.
- Rounding out the Trojans absent from spring practice is three-way superstar Adoree' Jackson, who is spending the spring focusing on track. "To allow him to attempt to win a national championship and to be a part of the Olympics, you have to master it. I don't think you can go back and forth," said Helton. "He's one of those special players that needs three weeks of camp to be ready for a season. He's just that supreme of an athlete."
- Here is Helton after the first spring practice...
