- In addition to the long term injuries, here are the rest of the players that will not participate in the USC Spring Game: DL Kenny Bigelow, DB Isaiah Langley, OLB Porter Gustin, OL Andrew Voorhees, TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe, TE Tyler Petite, WR Deontay Burnett, WR Keyshawn "Pie" Young and OL Chuma Edoga, per head coach Clay Helton.
- Because of the limited numbers, the Spring Game will be more of a "situational practice," Helton explained. "No score will be kept."
- Saturday will still be competitive as every practice is. Today, the defense exploded when CB Ajene Harris picked off QB Sam Darnold in the end zone to finish off the day. "It felt really good, the team is just finishing up the last practice, last period of the practice, so it just was a good win for our defense right there," said Harris who trotted the length of the end zone with the football until his teammates mobbed him.
- Harris has a spot locked down after his impressive play at the end of last season. Sophomore CB Jack Jones is trying to do the same. Helton said that Jones has been "exceptional" and expanded, "He's always had confidence, but you can see him being very assignment sound now." While he will have a lot of competition for the spot opposite Iman Marshall, Jones appears to have the edge coming out of spring. "We're going to have to count on him next year."
- As each year passes, the leaders change. Last year at this time, DL Rasheem Green was an unproven commodity, but now he returns as the team's sack leader. "I just try to lead by how hard I work, by playing well and not messing up on my plays," Green said. "It is important that we don't just play with effort and intensity for two or three plays, but all the plays that we're on the field for."
- Helton has made mention of it many times, but staff continuity could play huge dividends this year. "I just think it's the communication," said Harris about the difference. "It's our second year with the same defense, the same defensive coordinator, the same DB coach. So, our confidence is pretty up with the play calls and just the players around us, we're all comfortable and we're all hungry. We all come out here with a swagger and we're just ready to play."
- The Trojans have not shied away from playoff expectations this spring, but Helton explained that it will take more consistency for this group to reach those lofty heights. The team needs to "start fast and play clean football right [from] the get go," said the head coach. Last year, the Trojans looked like a playoff team by the end, but "September is equally as important," said Helton, and USC lost three games in the season's first month. USC will have a difficult opening schedule again with Western Michigan, Stanford, Texas, Cal and Washington State all before October.
- Here is Helton's entire press conference:
