The Trojans suited up on Tuesday for their first practice of the school year, and the first since the official depth chart was released.
- Head coach Clay Helton noted that the Trojans "really feel healthy right now," having returned a few players who were rehabbing injuries throughout Fall Camp. Only S John Plattenburg (concussion) and LT Chad Wheeler (foot) were held out with injuries.
- Helton is conducting a mock game week, so he game-planned for Alabama on Sunday and gave the team a day off Monday. "We're treating it just like a typical work week this week, like we're playing this Saturday," Helton said. "Hopefully that keeps us ahead for the game."
- Three days after naming Max Browne (pictured) the starting QB over Sam Darnold, Helton praised the way "both of them did their job today," calling them "two of the finest young men [he's] ever been associated with."
- Browne said "it was awesome" when Helton told him he'd be the starter. "Emotionally, I felt like I'd played an entire season, to be honest, with the competition," he said. Browne sent a group text to his three brothers upon getting the news on Saturday, so that they could all be the first to find out.
- In his first day of practice since being named the starter, Browne said, "To be brutally honest, it wasn't this totally different feeling or this totally different atmosphere. It was like, 'Alright. Next step. Let's go.'"
- Browne believes the years he's spent as a backup will help him lead the team this season. "I've had my fair share of falling short and then coming back, battling back, which I think is a great life lesson and will serve us well this season, because it's not going to go perfect, and the ability to respond and lead these guys is huge," he said.
- Darnold acknowledged his disappointment at not being named the starter, but said that he respects Helton's decision and admires Browne's work ethic. "He prepared every single day as if he was going to be the starter," Darnold said. "It really showed me how much hard work he put in, and I think that gave me even more closure as to why he should be the starting quarterback here."
- When asked if he would consider transferring, Darnold reaffirmed his desire to be a Trojan for life. "I want to get my degree, first and foremost," he said. "This is my dream school. There's no way I'm going to leave this place. I love this place."
- Helton announced that the team would select its captains at the end of the week and they'd be announced next week.
- Here is Helton's full press conference:
